tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35753618571496844602015-03-02T23:20:09.870-06:00Paul Douglas Weather ColumnMeteorologist Paul Douglas writes about Minnesota weather daily, trying to go beyond the "highs" and "lows" of the weather story to discuss current trends and some of the how's and why's of meteorology. Rarely is our weather dull - every day is a new forecast challenge. Why is the weather doing what it's doing? Is climate change a real concern, and if so, how will my family be affected? Climate is flavoring all weather now, and I'll include links to timely stories that resonate with me.Paul Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119711149976645625noreply@blogger.comBlogger2382125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575361857149684460.post-40929152888522705162015-03-02T23:18:00.000-06:002015-03-02T23:20:09.891-06:00Blizzard Potential West of MSP Today - 50 Degrees Next Week?<b>26 F</b>. high in the Twin Cities Monday.<br /><b>35 F</b>. average high on March 2.<br /><b>3 F</b>. high on March 2, 2014, after waking up to -15.<br /><b>Trace of snow</b> on the ground at KMSP at 7 PM yesterday.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #660000;">1977</span></b>: Snowstorm across region with over 400 school closings in Minnesota and Wisconsin.<br /><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 503px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425330776_gfsWSI.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425330776_gfsWSI.jpg" height="389" width="503" /></div><br /><b>Winter's Last Gasp?</b><br /><br />Yesterday Vineeta Sawkar at the Star Tribune asked me if today's snow event meets the definition of a storm. It's stretch but considering the timing (AM rush hour), the amounts (1 to 3 inches with a band of 3-6" from near Alexandria and Morris to Little Falls) and high winds kicking in behind the storm, compounding blowing &amp; drifting, the answer is yes. The definition of "storm" has less to do with amounts, and more to do with temperature and impacts.<br /><br />So far this winter the biggest single-storm snowfall was 3.4 inches, on November 10-11, again December 27. Residents of Boston have a word for that. "Flurries".<br /><br />A quick burst of snow this morning gets whipped around by 30 mph gusts this afternoon, marking the leading edge of what MAY be the last subzero swipe of winter. Blizzard criteria with near white-out conditions are expected west of MSP. Then mercury dips below zero again Thursday morning.<br /><br />Embrace the burn because a dramatic change is likely as mild Pacific air streams back into the USA. A string of 40s are likely next week; both the GFS and ECMWF models hint at a few days near 50F by late next week. Like turning on a light switch. Instant spring.<br /><br />February was 9.7F colder than average at MSP. I have a hunch mid-March may feel more like late April.<br /><hr />* GFS model, valid Friday evening, March 13, shows a surge of moisture and warmth from the Gulf of Mexico, hinting at air temperatures in the upper 40s to low 50s with periods of rain. Map: WSI.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425357570_hopwrif.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425357570_hopwrif.jpg" style="height: 411px; width: 630px;" /></div><b>HOPWRF: Heaviest Snow Bands Alexandria to Little Falls</b>. The 3 KM WRF shows the heaviest stripe of snow staying well north and west of the Twin Cities; portions of central Minnesota picking up as much as 6" of powdery snow, prone to blowing and drifting. The immediate metro area may see 1-2", with 3" far northern suburbs.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 577px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425357612_blizzard1.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425357612_blizzard1.jpg" style="height: 306px; width: 577px;" /></div><b>White-Out Potential</b>. NOAA's National Weather Service office in the Twin Cities has issued a Blizzard Warning just west of the Twin Cities, from Albert Lea and Makato to Hutchinson, Willmar, Marshall and Morris, for high winds capable of ground blizzards by this afternoon. A few inches of snow will be whipped up into a treacherous froth as gusts reach 30-40 mph, the result of a sharp temperature drop behind today's fast-moving storm. Details:<br /><br /><pre>...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM TO 9 PM CST<br />TUESDAY...<br /><br />* TIMING...SNOW WILL DEVELOP LATE TONIGHT AND TAPER OFF LATE TUESDAY<br /> MORNING...AS NORTHWEST WINDS INCREASE BEHIND A COLD FRONT. THE<br /> STRONG WINDS WILL PRODUCE CONSIDERABLE BLOWING SNOW AND BLIZZARD<br /> CONDITIONS THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING.<br /><br />* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS...1 TO 3 INCHES.<br /><br />* WINDS/VISIBILITY...WIND GUSTS AROUND 45 MPH AND VISIBILITY<br /> LESS THAN ONE QUARTER MILE IN OPEN AREAS. VISIBILITIES WILL BE<br /> A BIT BETTER WITHIN CITY LIMITS. THE STRONG NORTHWEST WINDS<br /> WILL DEVELOP BETWEEN 9 AM AND NOON...AND WILL CONTINUE INTO<br /> TUESDAY EVENING.<br /><br />* IMPACTS...TRAVEL WILL BECOME DANGEROUS TUESDAY WITH BLIZZARD<br /> CONDITIONS DEVELOPING.<br /><br />PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...<br /><br />A BLIZZARD WARNING MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE<br />EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. FALLING AND BLOWING SNOW WITH STRONG WINDS<br />AND POOR VISIBILITIES ARE LIKELY. THIS WILL LEAD TO WHITEOUT<br />CONDITIONS...MAKING TRAVEL EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. DO NOT TRAVEL. IF<br />YOU MUST TRAVEL...HAVE A WINTER SURVIVAL KIT WITH YOU. IF YOU GET<br />STRANDED...STAY WITH YOUR VEHICLE.</pre><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425358147_aerissnow.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425358147_aerissnow.jpg" style="height: 168px; width: 630px;" /></div><b>Barely Plowable</b>. Latest models seem to be converging around 1-2" snow for much of the Twin Cities; the high-resolution HRRR predicting 1.5" of snow by 11 AM, when snow intensity should begin to taper. I think 1-3" is the right range, but the south metro especially may be at the low end of that range. Then again it doesn't take much to turn the freeways into a badly managed competitive ice skating competition.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425358165_aeriswinds.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425358165_aeriswinds.jpg" style="height: 168px; width: 630px;" /></div><b>Winds Increase</b>. Aeris Enterprise, from Ham Weather, shows relatively light winds early this morning, increasing sharply by midday, sustained at 20-30 mph with higher gusts. Remember, a blizzard doesn't have to mean falling snow; in today's case near-zero visibility will come about as snow already on the ground becomes airborne as winds pick up by afternoon. Yes, you can have a blizzard with blue sky overhead.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425358123_aeris1.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425358123_aeris1.jpg" style="height: 172px; width: 630px;" /></div><b>A Mellowing Trend</b>. After flirting with zero late tonight and dipping to about -7 or -8 Thursday morning, temperatures recover by late week, with a streak of 40s next week, even a chance of 50 degrees by the end of next week. Wouldn't that be nice. The GEFS ensemble shows a high near 50F on Sunday, March 15.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425358210_animationT.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425358210_animationT.gif" style="height: 429px; width: 630px;" /></div><b>But First A Word From Our Canadian Sponsors</b>. What if Canada invaded without ever firing a shot? Another eye-watering volley of bitter air oozes south of the border tonight and Wednesday, one more firm slap of face-aching cold before temperatures start to moderate by late week. 60 hour 2-meter temperature from NOAA's NAM and Ham Weather.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425358279_spark.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425358279_spark.jpg" style="height: 281px; width: 630px;" /></div><b>Electrocution Risk.</b> Sorry, it's just me. I'm weeping onto my laptop as I gaze up at the European long range trends, showing a streak of 40s next week, even a slight chance of 50 degrees by midweek. Those temperatures are typical for late March and early April. We're due for a correction, and after a stinging breeze Wednesday and Thursday the mercury in your backyard thermometer begins to mellow. Graphic: Weatherspark.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 468px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425358294_jet1.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425358294_jet1.jpg" height="431" width="468" /></div><b>An Early April</b>. If this forecast looking out 2 weeks (GFS) verifies temperatures may be more typical of early or mid April than mid-March. The pattern is forecast to shift into a (very) zonal flow with the west coast ridge pushing inland, pulling warmer air into southern and western Canada as well as the Rockies and northern Plains. Credit: GrADS:COLA/IGES.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 236px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425320218_3.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425320218_3.jpg" height="354" width="236" /></div><b>Feds Say Many Central Valley Farmers Will Get No Water Deliveries.</b> There's been some rain in California, but not enough to make a serious dent in a very serious long-term drought. Here's an excerpt of a reality check at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/environment/article11355200.html" href="http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/environment/article11355200.html">The Sacramento Bee</a>: "<i>Hundreds of farmers in the Central Valley were told Friday they can expect zero water deliveries this year from the federal government, the latest fallout from what is likely to be a fourth straight drought year in California. The announcement came from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which operates a system of reservoirs and canals that make up the Central Valley Project. It mirrors a similar announcement last year that led to hundreds of thousands of farm acres being fallowed</i>..."<br /><br /><u>Photo credit</u>: <span class="attribution"><span class="photographer">Andreas Fuhrmann</span> <span class="credits">AP.</span></span><br /><hr /><div style="color: black; font: 10pt sans-serif; height: 1px; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-transform: none; width: 1px;"><br />Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/environment/article11355200.html#storylink=cpy</div><div class="photo " style="width: 346px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425254157_albertleaTORaaronshaffer061610two.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425254157_albertleaTORaaronshaffer061610two.jpg" height="229" width="346" /></div><b>Weather Officials Worry That Quiet Tornado Seasons Have Lulled into Complacency</b>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.kansas.com/news/weather/article11863763.html" href="http://www.kansas.com/news/weather/article11863763.html">The Wichita Eagle</a> has the story, including a few jaw-dropping statistics, and concern about what 2 supernaturally quiet tornado years for the USA could mean for tornado preparedness in 2015. Here's a clip: "<i>Tornado Alley has never been this quiet in the Wichita area before. Forget about tornadoes last year – there were not even any tornado watches issued. That’s never happened before in the nearly half a century that watch records have been kept. There were only two tornado watches issued for Sedgwick County the year before that, which translates into the lowest two-year total on record</i>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 418px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425333990_6.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425333990_6.jpg" height="276" width="418" /></div><b>The Vanishing</b>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.gq.com/news-politics/big-issues/201503/malaysia-airlines-flight-370?utm_source=nextdraft&amp;utm_medium=email" href="http://www.gq.com/news-politics/big-issues/201503/malaysia-airlines-flight-370?utm_source=nextdraft&amp;utm_medium=email">GQ</a> has the latest on a haunting story: what really happened to Malaysia Airlines Flight 370? Here's the intro: "<i>One year ago this month, Malaysia Airlines flight 370 disappeared from the skies. No trace, not even wreckage. The void has confounded experts, anguished families, and hatched endless conspiracy theories. But as Sean Flynn reports, some disturbing truths are emerging, including a clear trail of failure that turned a disaster into something so much worse</i>..." (File photo: AP Photo/Greg Wood, Pool, File)<br /><div style="color: black; font: 10pt sans-serif; height: 1px; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-transform: none; width: 1px;"><br />Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/news/weather/article11863763.html#storylink=cpy</div><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 377px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425319908_netflix.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425319908_netflix.jpg" height="156" width="377" /></div><b>One Reason for Netflix's Success - It Treats Employees Like Grownups</b>. My oldest son shared this link with me, a story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/27/netflix-culture-deck-success_n_6763716.html" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/27/netflix-culture-deck-success_n_6763716.html">Huffington Post</a>; here's an excerpt: "...<i>Netflix is fond of saying it hires only “fully formed adults,” and the company treats them as such -- bestowing on them great amounts of freedom so they can take risks and innovate without being bogged down by process. The flip side of all this power is that people are expected to work at a super-high level or be quickly shown the door (with a generous severance package).</i>.."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 299px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425320833_2.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425320833_2.jpg" style="height: 42px; width: 299px;" /></div><div class="graf--p" id="e1d9" name="e1d9"><b>Why I'm Saying Goodbye to Apple, Google and Microsoft</b>. Here's an excerpt of an interesting excerpt at <a data-cke-saved-href="https://medium.com/backchannel/why-i-m-saying-goodbye-to-apple-google-and-microsoft-78af12071bd" href="https://medium.com/backchannel/why-i-m-saying-goodbye-to-apple-google-and-microsoft-78af12071bd">medium.com's Backchannel</a>: "...<i>More important, I’ve moved to these alternative platforms because I’ve changed my mind about the politics of technology. I now believe it’s essential to embed my instincts and values, to a greater and greater extent, in the technology I use.</i></div><blockquote class="graf--pullquote pullquote" id="c2b6" name="c2b6">Those values start with a basic notion: We are losing control over the tools that once promised equal opportunity in speech and innovation—and this has to stop.</blockquote><i>Control is moving back to the center, where powerful companies and governments are creating choke points</i>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 357px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425352210_solarMarioAnzuoniReuters.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425352210_solarMarioAnzuoniReuters.jpg" height="198" width="357" /></div><b>Solar Energy's Unexpected Conservative Backers</b>. Free markets, more choice, lower prices? Sounds pretty conservative to me - here's an excerpt from a story about what's happening in Arizona from <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/102466651" href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/102466651">CNBC</a>: "...<i>As a conservative, Goldwater has become a vocal advocate for solar energy in recent years. He currently serves as the chairman of "Tell Utilities Solar won't be Killed" (<a class="inline_asset" data-cke-saved-href="http://dontkillsolar.com/tusk/" href="http://dontkillsolar.com/tusk/" target="_blank">TUSK</a>), a solar advocacy group that is pushing for energy independence across the country. And he doesn't think there is anything odd about being a political conservative who also challenges utility companies for the right to choose solar over traditional forms of power. In fact, he finds it to be the natural outcome of true political conservatism.</i>.."<br /><br /><u>Photo credit</u> above: "<i>Mario Anzuoni | Reuters. "Vivint Solar technicians install solar panels on the roof of a house in Mission Viejo, Calif</i>."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 379px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425253752_bus.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425253752_bus.jpg" height="156" width="379" /></div><b>Why More Schools Are Letting Their Students Sleep In</b>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/27/school-start-times-sleep_n_6715142.html" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/27/school-start-times-sleep_n_6715142.html">Huffington Post</a> has an interesting update on the merits of later school starts; here's an excerpt: "...<i>According to a new poll, parents are coming around to the idea of letting kids hit the snooze button. A survey conducted in November and December 2014 by the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital as part of its National Poll on Children's Health found that <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.uofmhealth.org/news/archive/201502/support-sleeping-half-parents-favor-later-school-start-times" href="http://www.uofmhealth.org/news/archive/201502/support-sleeping-half-parents-favor-later-school-start-times" target="_hplink">about half of parents of teenagers whose schools start before 8:30 a.m. would support a later school start time</a>. Forty percent said a later start time would allow their teens to get more sleep, and 22 percent said a later start time would help their teens do better in school.</i>.."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425321854_dubai.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425321854_dubai.jpg" style="height: 290px; width: 630px;" /></div><b>Shot on iPhone 6</b>. The smart phone cameras are getting pretty good for day-to-day photos. I don't think Nikon or Canon have anything to worry about in the short term, but as the old saying goes the best camera is the one you have on you when you really need it. Here's a link to some examples of the iPhone 6 camera capability from <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.apple.com/iphone/world-gallery/?ncid=newsltushpmg00000003" href="http://www.apple.com/iphone/world-gallery/?ncid=newsltushpmg00000003">Apple</a>: "<i>People take incredible photos and videos on iPhone 6 every day. And here are some of our favorites. Explore the gallery, learn a few tips, and see what’s possible with the world’s most popular camera</i>."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 357px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425351347_wildsky.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425351347_wildsky.jpg" /></div><b>Dutch Virtual Sky Flood Is As Terrifying As It Is Beautiful.</b> I've seen many things, but this is my first virtual sky flood. Here's a clip and explanation from <a data-cke-saved-href="http://grist.org/list/dutch-virtual-sky-flood-is-as-terrifying-as-it-is-beautiful/" href="http://grist.org/list/dutch-virtual-sky-flood-is-as-terrifying-as-it-is-beautiful/">Grist</a>: "...<i>The art installment, which Roosegaarde calls a “virtual flood,” projects blue LED lights into the foggy skies to form&nbsp;a human-made aurora borealis over an acre of land along the IJssel river&nbsp;in <a data-cke-saved-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westervoort" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westervoort" target="_blank">Westervoort</a>. &nbsp;The&nbsp;glowing fog is supposed to be representative of the land that would be drowned&nbsp;if the river’s levies collapsed</i>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 377px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425326800_5.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425326800_5.jpg" height="222" width="331" /></div><b>Kids, Allergies and a Possible Downside to Squeaky Clean Dishes</b>. So there is an upside to being a slob, after all? Great news. Here's an excerpt from <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2015/02/23/387553285/kids-allergies-and-a-possible-downside-to-squeaky-clean-dishes?utm_source=npr_newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=20150301&amp;utm_campaign=mostemailed&amp;utm_term=nprnews" href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2015/02/23/387553285/kids-allergies-and-a-possible-downside-to-squeaky-clean-dishes?utm_source=npr_newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=20150301&amp;utm_campaign=mostemailed&amp;utm_term=nprnews">NPR</a>: "<i>Could using a dishwashing machine increase the chances your child will develop allergies? That's what some provocative new research suggests — but don't tear out your machine just yet. The <a data-cke-saved-href="http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2015/02/17/peds.2014-2968.full.pdf+html" href="http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2015/02/17/peds.2014-2968.full.pdf+html">study</a> involved 1,029 Swedish children (ages 7 or 8) and found that those whose parents said they mostly wash the family's dishes by hand were significantly less likely to develop eczema, and somewhat less likely to develop allergic asthma and hay fever.</i>.."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 469px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425359437_scenicwinter.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425359437_scenicwinter.jpg" height="320" width="469" /></div><br />TODAY: 1-3" snow this morning with icy roads. Blizzard risk west of MSP with blowing/drifting and white-out conditions. Winds: NW 20-30+ High: 30 (falling into the teens this afternoon).<br />TUESDAY NIGHT: Clearing and very cold. Low: -2<br />WEDNESDAY: Sunny and numb. Feels like -20F. High: 9<br />THURSDAY: Cold start, turning breezy with fading sun. Wake-up: -8. High: 16<br />FRIDAY: Much-needed thaw with some sun. Feels like March. Wake-up: 11. High: 36<br /><b>SATURDAY</b>: Mix of clouds and sun, pleasant. Wake-up: 21. High: 37<br /><b>SUNDAY</b>: More clouds, slightly cooler. Wake-up: 20. High: 33<br />MONDAY: Intervals of sun, milder breeze. Wake-up: 23. High: near 40<br /><br />* models suggest a string of 40s next week, even a shot at 50F by the end of next week.<br /><hr /><b>Climate Stories...</b><br /><br /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425327265_clean coal houses.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425327265_clean%20coal%20houses.jpg" height="233" width="233" /><br /><b>Cold Weather Doesn't Mean Climate Change Isn't Happening. </b>Canada's <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/cold-weather-doesn-t-mean-climate-change-isn-t-happening-bob-mcdonald-1.2975491" href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/cold-weather-doesn-t-mean-climate-change-isn-t-happening-bob-mcdonald-1.2975491">CBC News</a> has some perspective; here's a clip: "...<i>Usually, the jet stream&nbsp;moves along, providing breaks from the cold during winter, but recently, it has been sluggish. Whether that's&nbsp;due to climate change cannot be determined yet because two years of cold is not enough to see a long-term pattern. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nature14240.html" href="http://http//www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nature14240.html">But a recent experiment</a> at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California has directly measured the warming effect of our carbon emissions,</i><i>&nbsp;using data from instruments that measure the infrared radiation being reflected back to the ground by the atmosphere - the so-called greenhouse effect</i>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 341px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425327215_earthpuzzle.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425327215_earthpuzzle.jpg" height="219" width="341" /></div><b>UMD Researcher Sorts out Climate Variability from Climate Change</b>. How much is "natural" vs. impacted by greenhouse gas emissions? <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.inforum.com/news/education/3690474-umd-researcher-sorts-out-climate-variability-climate-change" href="http://www.inforum.com/news/education/3690474-umd-researcher-sorts-out-climate-variability-climate-change">INFORUM</a> has an interesting story - here's an excerpt: "...<i>The study found that natural climate variability probably has helped keep things cooler in recent years than they otherwise would have been due to the outside factors. The research, published Sunday in Science Magazine, was headed by the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Byron Steinman, an assistant professor of geological sciences with the Large Lakes Observatory and the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.</i>.."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425327168_2014globaltempsNCDC.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425327168_2014globaltempsNCDC.jpg" style="height: 458px; width: 630px;" /></div><b>Looming Warming Spurt Could Reshape Climate Debate</b>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/warming-spurt-looms-will-it-change-minds-on-climate-change-18716" href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/warming-spurt-looms-will-it-change-minds-on-climate-change-18716">Climate Central</a> has the story - here's the introduction: "<i>Humanity is about to experience a historically unprecedented spike in temperatures. That’s the ominous conclusion of a <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/corals-secrets-of-warming-18468" href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/corals-secrets-of-warming-18468">vast and growing body of research</a> that links sweeping Pacific Ocean cycles with rates of warming at the planet’s surface — warming rates&nbsp;that could affect how communities and nations respond to threats posed by climate change. Papers in two leading journals this week reaffirmed that the warming effects of a substantial chunk of our greenhouse gas pollution have been avoided on land for the last 15 to 20 years because of a phase in a decades-long cycle of ocean winds and currents. With Pacific trade winds expected to slacken in the years ahead, the studies warn that seas will begin absorbing less of global warming’s energy, and that some of the heat they’ve been holding onto will rise to the surface.</i>.." (Graphic: NOAA NCDC).<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 350px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425327296_emerging.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425327296_emerging.jpg" height="232" width="350" /></div><b>Memo To GOP on Climate Change: Listen To Your Voters, and The Free Market.</b> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/energy-environment/234163-memo-to-gop-on-climate-change-listen-to-your-voters" href="http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/energy-environment/234163-memo-to-gop-on-climate-change-listen-to-your-voters">TheHill</a> has an interesting Op-Ed; here's the introduction: "<i>Waving the “I’m not a scientist” banner, 169 Republican members of Congress are on record denying the overwhelming scientific consensus that manmade greenhouse gas emissions are harming the environment, with increasingly devastating consequences. But Republican leaders will not be able to ignore two forces lining up against them: the free market and their own voters, both warning that climate change is too important to be a partisan issue.</i>.."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 328px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425327326_atmosphereMoon.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425327326_atmosphereMoon.jpg" height="245" width="328" /></div><b>Could The Moral Angle Get Christian Conservatives to Care More About Climate Change?</b> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://grist.org/news/could-the-moral-angle-get-christian-conservatives-to-care-about-climate-change/" href="http://grist.org/news/could-the-moral-angle-get-christian-conservatives-to-care-about-climate-change/">Grist</a> has the article; here's a snippet: "...<i>These are issues we’ve always grown up with and issues we’re used to hearing about,” 30-year-old evangelical leader <a data-cke-saved-href="http://grist.org/people/pro-life-equals-pro-planet-for-this-green-evangelical-leader/" href="http://grist.org/people/pro-life-equals-pro-planet-for-this-green-evangelical-leader/">Ben Lowe recently told Grist</a>, saying his “creation care” movement, Young Evangelicals for Climate Action, is growing faster than the group can handle. “There’s been a great amount of growth within the last 10 years or so that cares a lot about understanding our biblical role to be caretakers of this planet. And a lot of Christians have questions about climate change and where they fit in on all of that</i>.”<br /><hr /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425327380_CO2 (2).jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425327380_CO2%20%282%29.jpg" height="217" width="327" /><br /><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(255, 255, 255); left: -99999px; position: fixed; top: 0px;">The impact of the Sun on Earth's climate has greater significance when our planet is cooler, a new study has found.<br /><br />An international team of researchers shows that, during the last 4,000 years, there appears to have been a close correlation between solar activity and the sea surface temperature in summer in the North Atlantic.<br /><br />Since the end of the Last Ice Age about 12,000 years ago, the Earth has generally experienced a warm climate.<br /><br /><div style="font-family: arial; font-siae: 12px;">Read more at:<br /><a data-cke-saved-href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/46419911.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=cppst" href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/46419911.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=cppst">http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/46419911.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=cppst</a></div></div><div class="hs-text-container" dir="ltr"><b>Exposing The Doubt-Mongers Trying To Convince You Climate Change Isn't Real</b>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.newsweek.com/exposing-doubt-mongers-trying-convince-you-climate-change-isnt-real-310372" href="http://www.newsweek.com/exposing-doubt-mongers-trying-convince-you-climate-change-isnt-real-310372">Newsweek</a> has the article that focuses on paid-for, manufactured doubt. Tobacco times a thousand, based on the amount of money in play. Here's a clip: "...<i>The authors unraveled the deny-and-obfuscate tactics concocted in the 1950s by Mad Men and Big Tobacco to cloud understanding of what even the proto-mainstream media was beginning to grasp. “Cancer by the Carton,” read a 1953 headline in Reader's Digest. “Doubt,” countered a public relations memo exhumed decades later from Big Tobacco's yellowed files, “is our product.</i>”</div><hr /><div class="hs-text-container" dir="ltr"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425327413_co2 (3).jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425327413_co2%20%283%29.jpg" height="178" width="124" /></div><div class="hs-text-container" dir="ltr"><b>Sun Has Maximum Impact on Climate When Earth is Cooler</b>. Here's the intro to a story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/science/sun-has-maximum-impact-on-climate-when-earth-is-cooler/articleshow/46419911.cms" href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/science/sun-has-maximum-impact-on-climate-when-earth-is-cooler/articleshow/46419911.cms">Economic Times of India</a>: "<i>The impact of the sun on Earth's climate has greater significance when our planet is cooler, a new study has found. An international team of researchers shows that, during the last 4,000 years, there appears to have been a close correlation between solar activity and the sea surface temperature in summer in the North Atlantic</i>..."</div>Paul Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119711149976645625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575361857149684460.post-75604700460499103142015-03-01T22:53:00.001-06:002015-03-01T23:00:13.831-06:00Blizzard Watch West of MSP Tuesday - Spring Fever Alert Next Week?<b>28 F</b>. high in the Twin Cities Sunday.<br /><b>34 F</b>. average high on March 1.<br /><b>8 F</b>. high on March 1, 2014, after waking up to -7.<br /><b>Trace of snow</b> on the ground at KMSP.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #660000;">March 1, 1913</span></b>: A record low of 24 degrees below zero is set at the St. Cloud Regional Airport.<br /><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425269797_animationS.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425269797_animationS.gif" style="height: 405px; width: 630px;" /></div><br /><b>Be Afraid</b><br /><br />Call out the National Guard, alert FEMA and pray for a last-minute reprieve. I've performed last rites on my Doppler - if you leave NOW you may get to work on time (tomorrow). As odd as it is to see this in print, there's a good chance of a "plowable snow event" tomorrow, with enough blowing and drifting to make for a tricky day of travel. NOAA has issued a Blizzard Watch just west of MSP for tomorrow; details below.<br /><br />Tuesday's system moves quickly, keeping total amounts down, but a quick 2 to 4 inches of snow may fall during the morning and midday, whipped along by 30 mph winds by afternoon as much colder air comes charging south of the border. I'll be hiding in my weather bunker, watching a stain of dark red spread on my Google traffic maps. Good luck out there.<br /><br />If it does snow I suggest you roll around in it, photograph it, memorize the way it looks, feels and smells - because odds are any snow won't stick around for long.<br /><br />Models are unanimous in bringing a surge of mild, Pacific air into Minnesota next week with a streak of 40s. I could even see a few 50-degree highs with spurts of rain by mid-March.<br /><br />Is tomorrow the last spasm of snow? No, but the atmosphere is about to shift gears, fast-forwarding us into an almost springy pattern by next week.<br /><br />Not exactly a towering "Tournament Storm" but it'll have to do.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 579px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425270850_blizzardwatch.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425270850_blizzardwatch.jpg" style="height: 306px; width: 579px;" /></div><b>Tuesday Blizzard Watch Issued West of MSP</b>. It isn't the snow amounts, it's the predicted wind speeds tomorrow, topping 30-40 mph by afternoon, capable of whipping around the few inches of snow expected to fall. Details from NOAA:<br /><br /><pre>BLIZZARD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH TUESDAY<br />AFTERNOON...<br /><br />THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SIOUX FALLS HAS ISSUED A BLIZZARD<br />WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH TUESDAY<br />AFTERNOON.<br /><br />* TIMING...WORST CONDITIONS FROM EARLY TUESDAY THROUGH MID<br /> AFTERNOON TUESDAY.<br /><br />* ACCUMULATIONS...2 TO 4 INCHES OF SNOW POSSIBLE.<br /><br />* WIND AND VISIBILITY...NORTH TO NORTHWEST WINDS OF 30 TO 45 MPH<br /> WILL BE COMMON...WITH SOME GUSTS AROUND 50 MPH POSSIBLE. IF<br /> THESE WINDS MATERIALIZE COUPLED WITH FALLING SNOW...VISIBILITY<br /> REDUCTIONS OF LESS THAN A QUARTER MILE COULD OCCUR. AFTER THE<br /> SNOW ENDS...THE VISIBILITY WILL GREATLY INCREASE.<br /><br />PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...<br /><br />A BLIZZARD WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR FALLING AND/OR<br />BLOWING SNOW WITH STRONG WINDS AND EXTREMELY POOR VISIBILITIES.<br />THIS CAN LEAD TO WHITEOUT CONDITIONS AND MAKE TRAVEL VERY<br />DANGEROUS.</pre><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425269980_snowtrend.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425269980_snowtrend.jpg" style="height: 250px; width: 630px;" /></div><b>Monster Storm</b>. Considering the most snow we've had from a single "storm" this winter is 3.4" Tuesday epic snowfall may rank right up there. I'm thinking 2-3", maybe more just north and west of the Twin Cities. But this next wave of low pressure moves very quickly, which will limit amounts tomorrow.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425270007_snow1.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425270007_snow1.jpg" style="height: 377px; width: 630px;" /></div><b>Potentially Plowable.</b> 4 KM NAM guidance from NOAA suggests 2-3" for much of the Twin Cities, as much as 4-5" closer to Little Falls, Brainerd and Crosby. Temperatures fall through the 20s tomorrow, with significant blowing and drifting by afternoon as wind gusts top 30 mph. Map: Ham Weather.<br /><hr /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425271117_animationT.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425271117_animationT.gif" style="height: 429px; width: 630px;" /><br /><b>Another Shot</b>. Tuesday's snow falls in advance of another surge of bitter air, but this time it won't stay nanook for long. Wednesday will take your breath away (wind chills in the -20 to -30F range) and we wake up to a very subzero morning Thursday. And then the warming begins. 2-meter temperature prediction: NOAA NAM and Ham Weather.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425270227_spark.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425270227_spark.jpg" style="height: 275px; width: 630px;" /></div><b>Shifting Gears</b>. There's at least a 1 in 3 chance that the subzero wake-up readings Wednesday and Thursday morning of this week MAY be the last of the winter. That may be overly optimistic, but based on how significant the shift in the pattern appears to be next week I'd be surprised if we see any more negative numbers after March 6. The mercury may brush 40F on Friday - by the weekend whatever snow falls tomorrow should be largely gone, allowing the sun's energy to go into heating up the air vs. melting snow next week. That, in turn, could mean a streak of 40s, even a few days above 50F next week.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425270242_gfs.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425270242_gfs.jpg" style="height: 293px; width: 630px;" /></div><b>A Whiff of Spring Fever.</b> GFS guidance from NOAA shows consistent 40s after March 13 or so, even a few days near 50F; the atmosphere mild enough for rain by the middle of next week. That was sudden.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 346px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425254157_albertleaTORaaronshaffer061610two.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425254157_albertleaTORaaronshaffer061610two.jpg" height="229" width="346" /></div><b>Weather Officials Worry That Quiet Tornado Seasons Have Lulled into Complacency</b>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.kansas.com/news/weather/article11863763.html" href="http://www.kansas.com/news/weather/article11863763.html">The Wichita Eagle</a> has the story, including a few jaw-dropping statistics, and concern about what 2 supernaturally quiet years may mean for 2015. Here's a clip: "<i>Tornado Alley has never been this quiet in the Wichita area before. Forget about tornadoes last year – there were not even any tornado watches issued. That’s never happened before in the nearly half a century that watch records have been kept. There were only two tornado watches issued for Sedgwick County the year before that, which translates into the lowest two-year total on record</i>..."<br /><div style="color: black; font: 10pt sans-serif; height: 1px; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-transform: none; width: 1px;"><br />Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/news/weather/article11863763.html#storylink=cpy</div><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 312px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425163320_isis.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425163320_isis.jpg" /></div><b>What ISIS Really Wants</b>. Just in case you missed this important story in <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.theatlantic.com/features/archive/2015/02/what-isis-really-wants/384980/" href="http://www.theatlantic.com/features/archive/2015/02/what-isis-really-wants/384980/">The Atlantic</a>; here's a link and excerpt: "<i>The Islamic State is no mere collection of psychopaths. It is a religious group with carefully considered beliefs, among them that it is a key agent of the coming apocalypse. Here’s what that means for its strategy—and for how to stop it</i>..." (Image credit: AP/The Atlantic).<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 111px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425253875_uber.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425253875_uber.jpg" height="110" width="111" /></div><b>Uber Was Hacked Last May</b>. In case you didn't hear - <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2477533,00.asp" href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2477533,00.asp">PC Magazine</a> has more details; here's a clip: "<i>Uber revealed on Friday that an "unauthorized third party" broke into a company database last May and gained access to driver data. The ridesharing service <a data-cke-saved-href="http://blog.uber.com/2-27-15" href="http://blog.uber.com/2-27-15" target="_blank">said in a blog post</a> that it discovered the security breach last September and "[u]pon discovery we immediately changed the access protocols for the database and began an in-depth investigation." "A small percentage of current and former Uber driver partner names and driver's license numbers were contained in the database</i>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 333px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425096547_hacker.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425096547_hacker.jpg" height="173" width="333" /></div><b>Who Is Hacking Whom?</b> Ham Weather uber-programmer and weather model specialist, Patrick Francis, wrote a recent story that made me do a triple-take. Here's an excerpt from <a data-cke-saved-href="http://aplus.com/a/patfrancis/-8fb243ab-c3b8-4756-8618-8cab71ab1d7d" href="http://aplus.com/a/patfrancis/-8fb243ab-c3b8-4756-8618-8cab71ab1d7d">aplus.com</a>: "<i>Modern Media will "Hype" times that a massive hack occurs, such as Sony Corporation, but does that tell the real story? For the last two months I have tracked every attempted breach of my systems, stored the IP of the attacker, and researched information about his or her country of origin, city, company and so forth. The heck of it is, there's not a lot that can be done with this information, because there is no one to share it with who can do anything about it! :) Still, some people might be interested to know a little bit about who is hacking who.</i>.."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 379px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425253752_bus.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425253752_bus.jpg" height="156" width="379" /></div><b>Why More Schools Are Letting Their Students Sleep In</b>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/27/school-start-times-sleep_n_6715142.html" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/27/school-start-times-sleep_n_6715142.html">Huffington Post</a> has an interesting update on the merits of later school starts; here's an excerpt: "...<i>According to a new poll, parents are coming around to the idea of letting kids hit the snooze button. A survey conducted in November and December 2014 by the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital as part of its National Poll on Children's Health found that <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.uofmhealth.org/news/archive/201502/support-sleeping-half-parents-favor-later-school-start-times" href="http://www.uofmhealth.org/news/archive/201502/support-sleeping-half-parents-favor-later-school-start-times" target="_hplink">about half of parents of teenagers whose schools start before 8:30 a.m. would support a later school start time</a>. Forty percent said a later start time would allow their teens to get more sleep, and 22 percent said a later start time would help their teens do better in school.</i>.."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 321px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425163158_FB.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425163158_FB.jpg" height="191" width="321" /></div><div class="photo-credit"><b>Facebook Will Now Reach Out To Users Who Their Friends Think Are Suicidal</b>. A big thank you to Dr. Dan Reidenberg and his amazing team at SAVE (Suicide Awareness, Voices of Education) based in Bloomington for being the driving force behind this effort with Facebook; <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/emaoconnor/facebook-might-help-prevent-suicide?utm_source=nextdraft&amp;utm_medium=email#.uf0XXp6X5" href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/emaoconnor/facebook-might-help-prevent-suicide?utm_source=nextdraft&amp;utm_medium=email#.uf0XXp6X5">BuzzFeed News</a> reports: "...<i>The social network teamed up with a number of suicide prevention organizations and research centers in hopes of helping people online prevent their friends from committing suicide. These organizations include <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/" href="http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/">National Suicide Prevention Lifeline</a>, <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.nowmattersnow.org/" href="http://www.nowmattersnow.org/">Now Matters Now</a>, <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.save.org/index.cfm?" href="http://www.save.org/index.cfm?">Save.org</a>, and <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.intheforefront.org/" href="http://www.intheforefront.org/">Forefront: Innovations in Suicide Prevention</a> from the School of Social Work at Washington University</i>..."</div><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 377px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425254307_1.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425254307_1.jpg" style="height: 209px; width: 377px;" /></div><b>Kids, Allergies and a Possible Downside to Squeaky Clean Dishes</b>. So there is an upside to being a slob, after all? Great news. Here's an excerpt from <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2015/02/23/387553285/kids-allergies-and-a-possible-downside-to-squeaky-clean-dishes?utm_source=npr_newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=20150301&amp;utm_campaign=mostemailed&amp;utm_term=nprnews" href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2015/02/23/387553285/kids-allergies-and-a-possible-downside-to-squeaky-clean-dishes?utm_source=npr_newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=20150301&amp;utm_campaign=mostemailed&amp;utm_term=nprnews">NPR</a>: "<i>Could using a dishwashing machine increase the chances your child will develop allergies? That's what some provocative new research suggests — but don't tear out your machine just yet. The <a data-cke-saved-href="http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2015/02/17/peds.2014-2968.full.pdf+html" href="http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2015/02/17/peds.2014-2968.full.pdf+html">study</a> involved 1,029 Swedish children (ages 7 or 8) and found that those whose parents said they mostly wash the family's dishes by hand were significantly less likely to develop eczema, and somewhat less likely to develop allergic asthma and hay fever.</i>.."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 486px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425253427_LT2.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425253427_LT2.jpg" height="364" width="486" /></div><br />TODAY: Early sun, then clouds increase. Winds: S 10. High: 28<br />MONDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snow developing late. Low: 22<br />TUESDAY: Blizzard Watch west of MSP. 2-4" snow possible. Blowing &amp; drifting likely with potentially treacherous travel. High: 28<br />WEDNESDAY: Last subzero slap? Feels like - 25. Wake-up: -2. High: 8<br />THURSDAY: Cold start. Partly sunny and breezy. Wake-up: -8. High: 18<br />FRIDAY: Sunny peeks, risk of a thaw. Wake-up: 14. High: 38<br /><b>SATURDAY</b>: Blue sky, quiet pleasant. Wake-up: 21. High: 35<br /><b>SUNDAY</b>: Drippy icicles. Feels like March! Wake-up: 18. High: 43<br /><br />* Thanks to Media Logic meteorologist Todd Nelson, who snapped the photo above near Two Harbors on Saturday.<br /><hr /><b>Climate Stories...</b><br /><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 398px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425187911_climatechangeMELT.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425187911_climatechangeMELT.jpg" style="height: 246px; width: 398px;" /></div><b>Is The Environment a Moral Cause? </b>Here's a clip from a <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/01/opinion/sunday/is-the-environment-a-moral-cause.html?emc=edit_tnt_20150227&amp;nlid=6274831&amp;tntemail0=y&amp;_r=0" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/01/opinion/sunday/is-the-environment-a-moral-cause.html?emc=edit_tnt_20150227&amp;nlid=6274831&amp;tntemail0=y&amp;_r=0">New York Times Op-Ed</a>: "...<i>People think quite differently, however, when they are morally engaged with an issue. In such cases people are more likely to eschew a sober cost-benefit analysis, opting instead to take action because it is the right thing to do. Put simply, we’re more likely to contribute to a cause when we feel ethically compelled to. Still, why do liberals moralize environmental issues, while conservatives do not? The answer is complex, owing in part to the specific history of the American environmental movement</i>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425187968_CO2NASA.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425187968_CO2NASA.jpg" style="height: 208px; width: 630px;" /></div><b>Greenpeace Probe of Climate Naysayer Implicates Exxon Mobil</b>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/danvergano/greenpeace-probe-of-climate-naysayer-implicates-exxon-mobil?bftw&amp;utm_term=4ldqpgc#4ldqpgc" href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/danvergano/greenpeace-probe-of-climate-naysayer-implicates-exxon-mobil?bftw&amp;utm_term=4ldqpgc#4ldqpgc">BuzzFeed News</a> takes a look at more implications of the Willie Soon sage; here's an excerpt: "...<i>The <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/1531939-foia-response-willie-soon-2012.html#document/p20/a205112" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/1531939-foia-response-willie-soon-2012.html#document/p20/a205112">records</a> released Friday show that Exxon’s support of Soon came despite a 2007 pledge to quit funding climate naysayer groups, according to Greenpeace’s Jesse Coleman, who started the Soon records search using public records laws. “Exxon told us that they would stop funding climate denial front groups,” Coleman told BuzzFeed News. “Years later, they were still funding Willie Soon.</i>..”Paul Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119711149976645625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575361857149684460.post-13947303052197173512015-02-28T23:38:00.001-06:002015-02-28T23:38:37.147-06:00Tuesday Snow Potential - Fast Forward Spring in 1-2 Weeks?<br /><div class="photo-credit"><strong>-3 F</strong>. morning low on Saturday.</div><div class="photo-credit"><strong>20 F</strong>. high Saturday afternoon.</div><div class="photo-credit"><strong>34 F</strong>. average high on February 28.</div><div class="photo-credit"><strong>14 F</strong>. high on February 28, 2014.</div><div class="photo-credit"><br /></div><div class="photo-credit"><strong>Trace of snow</strong> on the ground at KMSP.</div><div class="photo-credit"><br /></div><div class="photo-credit"><strong>9.4</strong>. February is running 9.4F colder than average in the Twin Cities. February 2014 was 12.3F colder than normal.</div><div class="photo-credit"><b><span style="color: #660000;">February 28, 1966</span></b>: The Blizzard of '66 hits Minnesota and lasts 4 days. Aitken got 23 inches of snow. The snow depth at International Falls reached a record 37 inches by the end of the storm.</div><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 312px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425162508_yak.jpg" height="260" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425162508_yak.jpg" width="312" /></div><br /><strong>In Like a Yak?</strong><br /><br />"If March comes in like a lamb it will go out as a lion?" How predictably pedestrian.<br /><br />Sadly, lions are endangered and lambs have hired lawyers. I was raised (by wolves) to believe that, when March comes in like a yak, it will go out like an emu. Or is it tortoise and aardvark? I'm just not good with animals.<br /><br />I apologize for any confusion.<br /><br />Welcome to March, a baffling month of slush, puddles and a wild freeze-thaw cycle, where the only thing guaranteed is crater-size potholes. By the end of this month the average high is close to 50F, but temperatures can range from subzero to 80s.<br /><br />With an average of 10.3 inches, March, once the snowiest month of the year, is now second only to January.<br /><br />A few inches of snow may fall on Tuesday, maybe 6 inches for southeast Minnesota. A rapidly thawing atmosphere will push the storm track north in the coming weeks, increasing the potential for moisture here. But by the latter half of next week temperatures aloft should be warm enough for rain. I see persistent 30s and 40s by the second week of March. It still looks like the wicked winds of winter, a winter that hasn't been that bad, will subside within 2 weeks.<br /><br />Very yak-like, don't you think?<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425187081_snow1.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425187081_snow1.jpg" style="height: 396px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Potentially Plowable</strong>. I'm not yet convinced the metro area is picking up 6" on Tuesday, but a plowable, 2-3"+ slush-fest is possible, slowing down your commute a bit, maybe enough to shovel, plow (and lead the news).<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425187126_spark.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425187126_spark.jpg" style="height: 277px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>An Early Taste of Spring Fever?</strong> One more cold front with subzero implications arrives Wednesday; 2 more nights below zero later this week. No travel problems today or Monday but Tuesday may be a mess with a few inches of snow, with could be catastrophic, conisdering we're all forgotten how to drive on "snow". A Pacific warm front arrives Friday; 40s may be commonplace next week with a chance of "rain". So many new terms in the weather blog.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 451px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425187165_jet1.jpg" height="418" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425187165_jet1.jpg" width="451" /></div><strong>The (Mild) Ides of March</strong>. 500 mb winds (18,000 feet) are forecast to be zonal, blowing in from the Pacific Northwest by mid-month. That should mean 40s, even a chance of a few 50s within 2 weeks or so, temperatures aloft warm enough for rain. I don't think March 2015 will in any way resemble March, 2014.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425187669_1.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425187669_1.jpg" style="height: 171px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Too Early To Celebrate</strong>. The (new) GFS model hints at 60F in roughly 2 weeks. Not sure I'm buying that, at least not yet. We have a trace of snow on the ground and even if we pick up a few more inches Tuesday most of that will be gone by next weekend. If the sun comes out temperatures may surge into the 50s in about 12-14 days. Source: Ham Weather's Aeris Enterprise.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 580px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425186264_extremeweatherNOAA.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425186264_extremeweatherNOAA.jpg" style="height: 126px; width: 580px;" /></div><strong>Alerts Broadcaster Briefing</strong>: Issued Saturday night, February 28, 2015.<br /><br />* <u>Major icing event</u> possible Sunday afternoon, evening and early nighttime hours as rain falls on ground temperatures colder than 32F. I-95 may be wet and slushy, but many state and local roads from Baltimore to Philadelphia to New York City will become icy during the late afternoon and evening hours.<br />* Potential for major travel disruptions on land, and from BWI to PHL, JFK, EWR and LGA.<br />* Power outages possible as ice accumulates on power lines and transformers. Risk appears to be greatest in the Delaware Valley.<br /><hr /><div align="center"><img data-cke-saved-src="http://briefings.alertsbroadcaster.com/content/ab1.jpg" height="435" id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://briefings.alertsbroadcaster.com/content/ab1.jpg" width="600" /></div><strong>Major Ice Storm Potential</strong>. Internal Alerts Broadcaster algorithms focus the greatest risk of moderate to severe glaze icing from Baltimore and Wilmington to Lancaster, Philadelphia and south Jersey late afternoon and evening hours on Sunday. Graphic: Alerts Broadcaster.<br /><hr /><div align="center"><img data-cke-saved-src="http://briefings.alertsbroadcaster.com/content/ab2.jpg" height="444" id="_x0000_i1026" src="http://briefings.alertsbroadcaster.com/content/ab2.jpg" width="600" /></div><strong>Cities We're Tracking</strong>. Over a third of an inch of freezing rain (rain freezing into glaze ice on sub-freezing surfaces, including streets, sidewalks and power lines) from Baltimore to Philadelphia and the suburbs of New York City. Credit: Alerts Broadcaster.<br /><hr /><div align="center"><img data-cke-saved-src="http://briefings.alertsbroadcaster.com/content/4pm.jpg" height="327" id="_x0000_i1027" src="http://briefings.alertsbroadcaster.com/content/4pm.jpg" width="392" /></div><strong>Why We're Concerned</strong>. Model guidance shows the 32-degree isotherm staying south of Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York City at 4 PM Sunday, increasing the risk of significant accumulations of ice. Models print out .50 to .80" of rain, and a significant percentage of that rain may freeze into glaze, especially at the onset of precipitation Sunday afternoon. 4 PM NAM: NOAA and Ham Weather.<br /><br />Paul Douglas - Senior Meteorologist - Alerts Broadcaster<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 380px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425186438_bos1.jpg" height="225" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425186438_bos1.jpg" width="380" /></div><strong>2015 Boston Blizzard Takes It's Toll On Region's Buildings</strong>. I found a story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.architectmagazine.com/architecture/2015-boston-blizzard-takes-its-toll-on-regions-buildings_o.aspx?dfpzone=news" href="http://www.architectmagazine.com/architecture/2015-boston-blizzard-takes-its-toll-on-regions-buildings_o.aspx?dfpzone=news">Architecture Magazine</a> interesting - here's an excerpt and link: "<em>This winter has been a particularly tough one for those in the Boston area, which has experienced 31 days and counting&nbsp;of <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.architectmagazine.com/events/snowmageddon-in-boston_o.aspx" href="http://www.architectmagazine.com/events/snowmageddon-in-boston_o.aspx" target="_blank">heavy snow</a>, ice, and deep freezes. The severe winter weather has not only <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/02/20/coming-rain-threatens-turn-snow-into-ice-weighing-down-region/K4L4HilizSCW0zeauxSOJP/story.html" href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/02/20/coming-rain-threatens-turn-snow-into-ice-weighing-down-region/K4L4HilizSCW0zeauxSOJP/story.html" target="_blank">claimed several lives</a>, but also <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/02/10/roofs-collapse-under-weight-snow/MderASgFSkPVlJ7CQzsa5O/story.html" href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/02/10/roofs-collapse-under-weight-snow/MderASgFSkPVlJ7CQzsa5O/story.html" target="_blank">a number of the region’s buildings</a>—<a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/02/21/kostigen-snow-roof/23671405/" href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/02/21/kostigen-snow-roof/23671405/" target="_blank">44 in a two-day span</a>. In particular, the unanticipated&nbsp;and extreme&nbsp;snow and ice loads have taken their toll&nbsp;on the region’s roofs, causing them to sag, leak, and collapse. The damage to municipal buildings can be seen through the city’s <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/02/19/somerville-using-drones-survey-snowy-building-roofs/qYXOJ6X3iBaur854JFnuPJ/story.html" href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/02/19/somerville-using-drones-survey-snowy-building-roofs/qYXOJ6X3iBaur854JFnuPJ/story.html" target="_blank">drone footage</a>.</em>.."<br /><br /><u>File Photo</u> credit above: "<em>Graham Jamison, right, and Austin Anschultz walk through blowing snow on Beacon Hill in Boston, Sunday, Feb. 15, 2015. A blizzard warning was in effect for coastal communities from Rhode Island to Maine, promising heavy snow and powerful winds to heap more misery on a region that has already seen more than 6 feet of snow in some areas</em>." (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer).<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 475px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424979652_6.jpg" height="210" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424979652_6.jpg" width="475" /></div><strong>Close-Up Lightning Strike Compilation</strong>. No, don't try this at home - some of these close calls are truly amazing. Check out the <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltK5c60nBHQ" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltK5c60nBHQ">YouTube clip</a>, which has received 3.7 million views.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 499px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425053462_aeris3.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425053462_aeris3.jpg" style="height: 324px; width: 499px;" /></div><div class="photo " style="width: 526px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425053520_aeris5.jpg" height="190" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425053520_aeris5.jpg" width="526" /></div><strong>Aeris Pulse: Location-Specific Severe Weather Threats.</strong> Full disclosure: this is an app for Apple iOS and Android that my team is working on, the ability to create GPS-centric alerts that are different for everyone, based on their current location&nbsp; and the areas they care about. Learn more about <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.hamweather.com/apps/aeris-pulse/" href="http://www.hamweather.com/apps/aeris-pulse/">Aeris Pulse</a>: "<em>Using your current GPS location, Aeris Pulse highlights where the weather threats are relative to you. Aeris Pulse informs you to a variety of threats, whether it’s a severe thunderstorm with large hail and lightning or a winter storm with ice and heavy snow. All of this is immediately available when you launch the app in an easy-to-read, clean interface</em>."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425054569_wear.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425054569_wear.jpg" style="height: 167px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Aeris Wear</strong>. Doppler on your watch? People raised eyebrows when we (first) put Doppler radar on cell phones back in 2001. Why on Earth would you ever want that? Maybe in a few years (most) weather enthusiasts won't think twice about checking their watches to see if rain or lightning (or any threat) is lurking nearby. For now Aeris Wear is available for <a data-cke-saved-href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hamweather.aeriswear&amp;hl=en" href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hamweather.aeriswear&amp;hl=en">Android phones</a> only, and the basic version is free. A version for iOS and Apple is coming soon.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 312px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425163320_isis.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425163320_isis.jpg" /></div><strong>What ISIS Really Wants</strong>. Just in case you missed this important story in <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.theatlantic.com/features/archive/2015/02/what-isis-really-wants/384980/" href="http://www.theatlantic.com/features/archive/2015/02/what-isis-really-wants/384980/">The Atlantic</a>; here's a link and excerpt: "<em>The Islamic State is no mere collection of psychopaths. It is a religious group with carefully considered beliefs, among them that it is a key agent of the coming apocalypse. Here’s what that means for its strategy—and for how to stop it</em>..." (Image credit: AP/The Atlantic).<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 333px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425096547_hacker.jpg" height="173" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425096547_hacker.jpg" width="333" /></div><strong>Who Is Hacking Whom?</strong> Ham Weather uber-programmer and weather model specialist, Patrick Francis, wrote a recent story that made me do a triple-take. Here's an excerpt from <a data-cke-saved-href="http://aplus.com/a/patfrancis/-8fb243ab-c3b8-4756-8618-8cab71ab1d7d" href="http://aplus.com/a/patfrancis/-8fb243ab-c3b8-4756-8618-8cab71ab1d7d">aplus.com</a>: "<em>Modern Media will "Hype" times that a massive hack occurs, such as Sony Corporation, but does that tell the real story? For the last two months I have tracked every attempted breach of my systems, stored the IP of the attacker, and researched information about his or her country of origin, city, company and so forth. The heck of it is, there's not a lot that can be done with this information, because there is no one to share it with who can do anything about it! :) Still, some people might be interested to know a little bit about who is hacking who.</em>.."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 254px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425050511_2.jpg" height="342" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425050511_2.jpg" width="254" /></div><div class="photo-credit"><strong>Who Killed Tony The Tiger?</strong> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2015-02-26/for-kellogg-cereal-sales-recovery-may-be-lost-hope?ncid=newsltushpmg00000003" href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2015-02-26/for-kellogg-cereal-sales-recovery-may-be-lost-hope?ncid=newsltushpmg00000003">Bloomberg Business</a> takes a look at how Kellogg lost breakfast and what it means for the rest of the industry; here's a clip: "...<em>Now Americans have fewer children. Both parents often work and no longer have time to linger over a serving of Apple Jacks and the local newspaper. Many people grab something on the way to work and devour it in their cars or at their desks while checking e-mail. “For a while, breakfast cereal was convenience food,” says Abigail Carroll, author of&nbsp;Three Squares: The Invention of the American Meal. “But convenience is relative. It’s more convenient to grab a breakfast bar, yogurt, a piece of fruit, or a breakfast sandwich at some fast-food place than to eat a bowl of breakfast cereal</em>...."</div><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 321px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425163158_FB.jpg" height="191" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425163158_FB.jpg" width="321" /></div><div class="photo-credit"><strong>Facebook Will Now Reach Out To Users Who Their Friends Think Are Suicidal</strong>. A big thank you to Dr. Dan Reidenberg and his amazing team at SAVE (Suicide Awareness, Voices of Education) based in Bloomington for being the driving force behind this effort with Facebook; <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/emaoconnor/facebook-might-help-prevent-suicide?utm_source=nextdraft&amp;utm_medium=email#.uf0XXp6X5" href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/emaoconnor/facebook-might-help-prevent-suicide?utm_source=nextdraft&amp;utm_medium=email#.uf0XXp6X5">BuzzFeed News</a> reports: "...<em>The social network teamed up with a number of suicide prevention organizations and research centers in hopes of helping people online prevent their friends from committing suicide. These organizations include <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/" href="http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/">National Suicide Prevention Lifeline</a>, <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.nowmattersnow.org/" href="http://www.nowmattersnow.org/">Now Matters Now</a>, <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.save.org/index.cfm?" href="http://www.save.org/index.cfm?">Save.org</a>, and <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.intheforefront.org/" href="http://www.intheforefront.org/">Forefront: Innovations in Suicide Prevention</a> from the School of Social Work at Washington University</em>..."</div><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 423px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425096594_tweet1.jpg" height="155" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425096594_tweet1.jpg" width="423" /></div><div class="photo " style="width: 423px;"><hr /></div><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425183828_LT1.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425183828_LT1.jpg" style="height: 471px; width: 630px;" /></div><br /><strong>TODAY</strong>: Mix of clouds and sun, not bad. Winds: W 15. High: 27<br /><strong>SUNDAY NIGHT</strong>: Partly cloudy and chilly. Low; 10<br />MONDAY: Partly sunny, no travel problems. High: near 30<br />TUESDAY: Few inches of snow? More south. Wake-up: 22. High: 28<br />WEDNESDAY: Sunny and bitter. Feels like -20F. Wake-up: -1. High: 8<br />THURSDAY: Cold start, breezy with fading sun. Wake-up: -6. High: 19<br />FRIDAY: Some sun, above average. Wake-up: 17. High: 35<br /><strong>SATURDAY</strong>: Blue sky, feeling better out there. Wake-up: 19. High: 37<br /><br />* Thanks to Media Logic meteorologist Todd Nelson, who snapped the photo above near Two Harbors on Saturday.<br /><hr /><strong>Climate Stories...</strong><br /><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 398px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425187911_climatechangeMELT.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425187911_climatechangeMELT.jpg" style="height: 246px; width: 398px;" /></div><strong>Is The Environment a Moral Cause? </strong>Here's a clip from a <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/01/opinion/sunday/is-the-environment-a-moral-cause.html?emc=edit_tnt_20150227&amp;nlid=6274831&amp;tntemail0=y&amp;_r=0" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/01/opinion/sunday/is-the-environment-a-moral-cause.html?emc=edit_tnt_20150227&amp;nlid=6274831&amp;tntemail0=y&amp;_r=0">New York Times Op-Ed</a>: "...<em>People think quite differently, however, when they are morally engaged with an issue. In such cases people are more likely to eschew a sober cost-benefit analysis, opting instead to take action because it is the right thing to do. Put simply, we’re more likely to contribute to a cause when we feel ethically compelled to. Still, why do liberals moralize environmental issues, while conservatives do not? The answer is complex, owing in part to the specific history of the American environmental movement</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425187968_CO2NASA.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425187968_CO2NASA.jpg" style="height: 208px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Greenpeace Probe of Climate Naysayer Implicates Exxon Mobil</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/danvergano/greenpeace-probe-of-climate-naysayer-implicates-exxon-mobil?bftw&amp;utm_term=4ldqpgc#4ldqpgc" href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/danvergano/greenpeace-probe-of-climate-naysayer-implicates-exxon-mobil?bftw&amp;utm_term=4ldqpgc#4ldqpgc">BuzzFeed News</a> takes a look at more implications of the Willie Soon sage; here's an excerpt: "...<em>The <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/1531939-foia-response-willie-soon-2012.html#document/p20/a205112" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/1531939-foia-response-willie-soon-2012.html#document/p20/a205112">records</a> released Friday show that Exxon’s support of Soon came despite a 2007 pledge to quit funding climate naysayer groups, according to Greenpeace’s Jesse Coleman, who started the Soon records search using public records laws. “Exxon told us that they would stop funding climate denial front groups,” Coleman told BuzzFeed News. “Years later, they were still funding Willie Soon.</em>..”<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 623px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 623px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 623px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 623px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 623px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 623px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 623px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 623px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 623px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 623px;"><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425054682_1.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425054682_1.jpg" style="height: 149px; width: 623px;" /> </strong></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><strong>Climate Oscillations and the Global Warming Faux Pause. </strong>Here's an excerpt of a story written by Penn State climate scientist Michael Mann at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-e-mann/climate-change-pause_b_6671076.html" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-e-mann/climate-change-pause_b_6671076.html">Huffington Post</a>: "..<em>.It is true that Earth's surface warmed a bit less than models predicted it to over the past decade-and-a-half or so. This doesn't mean that the models are flawed. Instead, it points to a discrepancy that likely arose from a combination of three main factors (see the discussion my piece last year in <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/earth-will-cross-the-climate-danger-threshold-by-2036/" href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/earth-will-cross-the-climate-danger-threshold-by-2036/" target="_hplink">Scientific American</a>). These factors include the likely underestimation of the actual warming that has occurred, due to gaps in the observational data. Secondly, scientists have failed to include in model simulations some natural factors (low-level but persistent volcanic eruptions and a small dip in solar output) that had a slight cooling influence on Earth's climate. Finally, there is the possibility that internal, natural oscillations in temperature may have masked some surface warming in recent decades, much as an outbreak of Arctic air can mask the seasonal warming of spring during a late season cold snap. One could call it a global warming "speed bump." In fact, <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-e-mann/global-warming-speed-bump_b_4756711.html" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-e-mann/global-warming-speed-bump_b_4756711.html" target="_hplink">I have</a></em>..."<br /><br />* An abstract of the new research is available at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.sciencemag.org/content/347/6225/988.abstract" href="http://www.sciencemag.org/content/347/6225/988.abstract">Science Magazine</a>.<br /><br />* Reuters has more on the latest research <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/26/climatechange-warming-idUSL5N0VZ49P20150226" href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/26/climatechange-warming-idUSL5N0VZ49P20150226">here</a>.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425050043_craters.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425050043_craters.jpg" style="height: 180px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Climate Change Might Be Causing These Huge Craters in Siberia</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="https://news.vice.com/article/climate-change-might-be-causing-these-huge-craters-in-siberia" href="https://news.vice.com/article/climate-change-might-be-causing-these-huge-craters-in-siberia">VICE News</a> has the story - here's the introduction: "<em>Reports of new methane-eruption craters in the Siberian permafrost have piqued the interest of scientists around the higher latitudes who see it as a new sign of a warming climate. The first craters were identified in summer 2014 in the natural gas-rich Yamal Peninsula, which juts into the frigid Kara Sea more than 2,000 miles northeast of Moscow. They're suspected to have been caused by eruptions of methane from beneath the region's permafrost soil, which has been thawing during recent summers</em>..."<br /><br /><u>Photo credit</u>: Vladimir Pushkarev/Russian Centre of Arctic Exploration/Reuters.Paul Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119711149976645625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575361857149684460.post-79894826485654137722015-02-27T22:46:00.002-06:002015-02-27T22:46:55.118-06:00Winter Winding Down - Snow Potential Tuesday - 40s and 50s in 2 Weeks?<br /><div class="photo-credit"><strong>-6 F</strong>. morning low on Friday in the Twin Cities.</div><div class="photo-credit"><strong>15 F</strong>. high temperature yesterday.</div><div class="photo-credit"><strong>33 F</strong>. average high on February 27.</div><div class="photo-credit"><strong>1 F</strong>. high on February 27, 2014, after a wake-up temperature of -14 F.</div><div class="photo-credit"><br /></div><div class="photo-credit"><b><span style="color: #660000;">February 27, 1981</span></b>: Ice is out on Lake Minnetonka. Boats are enjoying the early thaw.</div><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 450px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425096907_jet1.jpg" height="409" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425096907_jet1.jpg" width="450" /></div><br /><strong>Winter Is Over</strong><br /><br />Uh oh, Paul is making outrageous statements again. Has he been standing too close to the Doppler? Honest answer: yes!<br /><br />Let me clarify.<br /><br />We'll see more cold fronts &amp; spits of snow and ice, but in 10-14 days the overall pattern will shift rather dramatically, the meteorological equivalent of turning on a light switch, pushing persistent 40s back into Minnesota the second week of March. In 2 weeks it'll be warm enough aloft for rain.<br /><br />Figures.<br /><br />Snow lovers, please don't blame me, blame a (drunken) jet stream for this supernaturally persistent dry pattern. As was the case last winter, with numerous examples in the last 15 years, the jet stream got "stuck".<br /><br />Normal variability gave way to a persistent upper level rut, one that steered a conga-line of sputtering, unimpressive clippers over Minnesota, faint wisps of low pressure that went on to metastasize into a Nor'easter machine as they interacted with Atlantic moisture, dumping 100 inches on Boston. Interesting things happen when the weather stalls - usually bad things.<br /><br />A couple inches of snow may fall next Tuesday, the bulk of the storm staying south once again. 20s will feel tolerable this weekend; two more subzero nights the middle of next week before a Pacific breeze kicks in.<br /><br />A hint of spring fever in 2 weeks? Yep.<br /><hr />* 500 mb forecast valid the evening of March 13 courtesy of GrADS:COLA/IGES.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425097402_spark.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425097402_spark.jpg" style="height: 272px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Limping into March.</strong> It's vaguely pathetic that I can get (a little) excited about 20s. Everything is relative, and for some reason 20s feel better in February than November. The next chance of accumulating snow comes Tuesday, then one more fleeting relapse of subzero chill Wednesday night. European guidance hints at low 40s next Friday, sustained 40s possible within 2 weeks or so. Graphic: Weatherspark.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425097425_snow1.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425097425_snow1.jpg" style="height: 414px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Tuesday Snow Event?</strong> When in a drought (or dry spell) don't predict rain - or snow. Will the transition to a milder pattern spark a few snowfalls in March? Possible, assuming we don't lose all the cold air. GFS guidance shows a plowable snow just south and east of the Twin Cities Tuesday, as much as 6-8" for far southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. It's too early to get specific about amounts, other than to say that Tuesday may be messy, especially south/east of MSP.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425097444_gfs.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425097444_gfs.jpg" /></div><strong>Too Early for Spring Fever?</strong> Oh there will be plenty of disappointments ahead. That's the true meaning of spring. Two steps forward, one step back. Or is it the other way around. But GFS guidance shows 40s and a few 50s roughly 2 weeks away, the atmosphere warm enough for significant rain March 12-15.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 531px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424964002_NorthernHemispherecoldpooltrends.jpg" height="333" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424964002_NorthernHemispherecoldpooltrends.jpg" width="407" /></div><strong>Even As The Eastern U.S. Freezes, There's Less Cold Air In Winter Than Ever Before</strong>. The winter cold pools are trending smaller over time over the Northern Hemisphere, but they seem to be (consistently) setting up over the eastern USA and eastern Canada as polar air becomes displaced south by a rapidly warming Arctic. But temperatures aloft, about 1 mile above surface level, show the trends. Here's an excerpt of a Jason Samenow story at the <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/wp/2015/02/25/even-as-the-eastern-u-s-freezes-theres-less-cold-air-in-winter-than-ever-before/" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/wp/2015/02/25/even-as-the-eastern-u-s-freezes-theres-less-cold-air-in-winter-than-ever-before/">Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang</a>: "...<em>In a <a data-cke-saved-href="http://journals.ametsoc.org/doi/abs/10.1175/JCLI-D-14-00496.1" href="http://journals.ametsoc.org/doi/abs/10.1175/JCLI-D-14-00496.1">study accepted for publication in the Journal of Climate</a>, Martin found that four of the five smallest Northern Hemisphere cold pools on record —&nbsp;averaged over the winter —&nbsp;have occurred since 2004. “Only 12 of the 43 winter seasons before 1990-1991 had below average seasonally averaged areas whereas 20 of 24 winter seasons have had below average seasonally averaged areas since,” the study says</em>..."<br /><br /><u>Graphic credit</u> above: "<span class="pb-caption"><em>Blue and red bars illustrate the annual difference from the long-term average in the area of the Northern Hemisphere cold pool. The light gray line portrays the surface temperature difference from average from the UK Hadley Centre</em>." (Jonathan Martin, Journal of Climate)</span>.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 343px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424982150_bos1.jpg" height="220" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424982150_bos1.jpg" width="343" /></div><strong>Boston's Astounding Month of Snow a 1-in-26,315 Year Occurrence</strong>. 100" in a month is pretty impressive, but it's off-the-charts-amazing for Boston, where normal February snowfall is closer to 10". What are the odds? Here's an excerpt of a good story from Eric Holthause at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/wp/2015/02/25/bostons-astounding-month-of-snow-a-1-in-26315-year-occurrence/" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/wp/2015/02/25/bostons-astounding-month-of-snow-a-1-in-26315-year-occurrence/">The Washington Post</a>: "...<em>To do this, he parsed through every three-day period (to maintain meteorological plausibility and prevent the possibility of back-to-back-to-back 20-inch snowstorms) and then randomly generated a set of hypothetical winters consistent with the city’s climate history. His analysis shows that given a static climate, Boston can expect a winter with a 30-day stretch like this one only once approximately every 26,315 years — 38 out of a million.</em>.."<br /><br /><u>Photo credit</u> above: "<em>A sign advertising a home for sale peaks from a mound of snow, Monday, Feb. 23, 2015, in Marlborough, Mass. Real estate agents have found that purchase closings are being held up because of the heavy snowfall in the Boston area</em>." (AP Photo/Bill Sikes).<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 475px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424965977_winterwarmingClimateCentral.jpg" height="301" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424965977_winterwarmingClimateCentral.jpg" width="475" /></div><strong>Warming Winters: U.S. Temperature Trends</strong>. We experience weather, not climate, which is one (of many) factors that makes this issue so complex. If you're freezing your butt off how ON EARTH can the atmosphere be warming? Not at my house! Keeping a global perspective is difficult, but essential when discussing climate trends. Here's an excerpt from <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/winters-are-warming-all-across-the-us-15590" href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/winters-are-warming-all-across-the-us-15590">Climate Central</a> focused on the rate of winter warming across the USA: "...<em>Since 1970, winters in the top 5 fastest-warming states — Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Vermont&nbsp;and South Dakota — heated up four-and-a-half times faster than winters in the 5 slowest-warming states:&nbsp;Nevada, California, Oregon, Colorado, and Washington. The five fastest-warming states have seen at least 4<sup>o</sup>F warming in winters since 1970</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 353px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424967421_tesla1.jpg" height="198" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424967421_tesla1.jpg" width="353" /></div><strong>Tesla Gearing Up For Release of Batteries for the Home</strong>. I have yet to meet (anyone) who doesn't like free stuff. That applies to free energy, free electricity, harvesting the free power that hits your home every day. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.gizmag.com/tesla-home-battery/36276/?utm_source=Gizmag+Subscribers&amp;utm_campaign=768f1f3c48-UA-2235360-4&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_65b67362bd-768f1f3c48-89969994" href="http://www.gizmag.com/tesla-home-battery/36276/?utm_source=Gizmag+Subscribers&amp;utm_campaign=768f1f3c48-UA-2235360-4&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_65b67362bd-768f1f3c48-89969994">Gizmag</a> has the details on how you'll soon be able to benefit from home solar panels and a well-positioned battery: "...<em>The same lithium-ion battery technology that powers Tesla’s electric vehicles will be used to develop a battery for the home, according to a statement by CEO Elon Musk during a recent conference call with analysts. The batteries would be used by homes and businesses to store excess energy generated from solar panels during the day, and drawn from at night when panels sit idle.</em>.."<br /><br /><u>Image credit</u> above: "<em>Tesla home battery, which is currently produced for SolarCity's home energy storage system</em>." (House Photo: <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-250408324/stock-photo-australian-solar-panels.html?src=3TlkIGrZp-6EYI-5_shsKw-1-78&amp;ws=1" href="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-250408324/stock-photo-australian-solar-panels.html?src=3TlkIGrZp-6EYI-5_shsKw-1-78&amp;ws=1" target="_blank">Shutterstock</a>)<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 475px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424979652_6.jpg" height="210" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424979652_6.jpg" width="475" /></div><strong>Close-Up Lightning Strike Compilation</strong>. No, don't try this at home - some of these close calls are truly amazing. Check out the <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltK5c60nBHQ" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltK5c60nBHQ">YouTube clip</a>, which has received 3.7 million views.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 499px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425053462_aeris3.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425053462_aeris3.jpg" style="height: 324px; width: 499px;" /></div><div class="photo " style="width: 526px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425053520_aeris5.jpg" height="190" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425053520_aeris5.jpg" width="526" /></div><strong>Aeris Pulse: Location-Specific Severe Weather Threats.</strong> Full disclosure: this is an app for Apple iOS and Android that my team is working on, the ability to create GPS-centric alerts that are different for everyone, based on their current location&nbsp; and the areas they care about. Learn more about <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.hamweather.com/apps/aeris-pulse/" href="http://www.hamweather.com/apps/aeris-pulse/">Aeris Pulse</a>: "<em>Using your current GPS location, Aeris Pulse highlights where the weather threats are relative to you. Aeris Pulse informs you to a variety of threats, whether it’s a severe thunderstorm with large hail and lightning or a winter storm with ice and heavy snow. All of this is immediately available when you launch the app in an easy-to-read, clean interface</em>."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425054569_wear.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425054569_wear.jpg" style="height: 167px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Aeris Wear</strong>. Doppler on your watch? People raised eyebrows when we (first) put Doppler radar on cell phones back in 2001. Maybe in a few years (most) weather enthusiasts won't think twice about checking their watches to see if rain or lightning (or any threat) is lurking nearby. For now Aeris Wear is available for <a data-cke-saved-href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hamweather.aeriswear&amp;hl=en" href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hamweather.aeriswear&amp;hl=en">Android phones</a> only, and the basic version is free. A version for iOS is coming soon.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 333px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425096547_hacker.jpg" height="173" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425096547_hacker.jpg" width="333" /></div><strong>Who Is Hacking Whom?</strong> Ham Weather uber-programmer and weather model specialist, Patrick Francis, wrote a recent story that made me do a triple-take. Here's an excerpt from <a data-cke-saved-href="http://aplus.com/a/patfrancis/-8fb243ab-c3b8-4756-8618-8cab71ab1d7d" href="http://aplus.com/a/patfrancis/-8fb243ab-c3b8-4756-8618-8cab71ab1d7d">aplus.com</a>: "<em>Modern Media will "Hype" times that a massive hack occurs, such as Sony Corporation, but does that tell the real story? For the last two months I have tracked every attempted breach of my systems, stored the IP of the attacker, and researched information about his or her country of origin, city, company and so forth. The heck of it is, there's not a lot that can be done with this information, because there is no one to share it with who can do anything about it! :) Still, some people might be interested to know a little bit about who is hacking who.</em>.."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 290px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424983818_tech1.jpg" height="193" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424983818_tech1.jpg" width="290" /></div><div class="photo-credit"><strong>The Robots Are Coming</strong>. Is your job in danger of being disrupted by robotics in the not-too-distant future? Here's an excerpt from a fascinating read at the <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.lrb.co.uk/v37/n05/john-lanchester/the-robots-are-coming?utm_source=nextdraft&amp;utm_medium=email" href="http://www.lrb.co.uk/v37/n05/john-lanchester/the-robots-are-coming?utm_source=nextdraft&amp;utm_medium=email">London Review of Books</a>: "...<em>Frey and Osborne’s conclusion is stark. In the next two decades, 47 per cent of employment is ‘in the high-risk category’, meaning it is ‘potentially automatable’. Interestingly, though not especially cheeringly, it is mainly less well-paid workers who are most at risk. Recent decades have seen a polarisation in the job market, with increased employment at the top and bottom of the pay distribution, and a squeeze on middle incomes. ‘Rather than reducing the demand for middle-income occupations, which has been the pattern over the past decades, our model predicts that computerisation will mainly substitute for low-skill and low-wage jobs in the near future.</em>.."</div><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 254px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425050511_2.jpg" height="342" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425050511_2.jpg" width="254" /></div><div class="photo-credit"><strong>Who Killed Tony The Tiger?</strong> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2015-02-26/for-kellogg-cereal-sales-recovery-may-be-lost-hope?ncid=newsltushpmg00000003" href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2015-02-26/for-kellogg-cereal-sales-recovery-may-be-lost-hope?ncid=newsltushpmg00000003">Bloomberg Business</a> takes a look at how Kellogg lost breakfast and what it means for the rest of the industry; here's a clip: "...<em>Now Americans have fewer children. Both parents often work and no longer have time to linger over a serving of Apple Jacks and the local newspaper. Many people grab something on the way to work and devour it in their cars or at their desks while checking e-mail. “For a while, breakfast cereal was convenience food,” says Abigail Carroll, author of&nbsp;Three Squares: The Invention of the American Meal. “But convenience is relative. It’s more convenient to grab a breakfast bar, yogurt, a piece of fruit, or a breakfast sandwich at some fast-food place than to eat a bowl of breakfast cereal</em>...."</div><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 423px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425096594_tweet1.jpg" height="155" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425096594_tweet1.jpg" width="423" /></div><br /><strong>TODAY</strong>: Sunny start, clouds increase. Winds: S 10-15. High: 22<br /><strong>SATURDAY NIGHT</strong>: Mostly cloudy. Low: 12<br /><strong>SUNDAY</strong>: More clouds than sun, a dry sky. High: 27<br />MONDAY: Partly sunny, stiff breeze. Wake-up: 11. High: 29<br />TUESDAY: Wet snow develops, couple inches of slush? Wake-up: 19. High: near 30<br />WEDNESDAY: Sunny and sharply colder. Feels like -20F. Wake-up: 1. High: 9<br />THURSDAY: Cold start, breezy and milder late. Wake-up: -6. High: 20<br />FRIDAY: Some sun, a drippy thaw! Wake-up: 15. High: near 40<br /><br /><hr /><strong>Climate Stories...</strong><br /><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 623px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 623px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 623px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 623px;"><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425054682_1.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425054682_1.jpg" style="height: 149px; width: 623px;" /> </strong></div></div></div></div><strong>Climate Oscillations and the Global Warming Faux Pause. </strong>Here's an excerpt of a story written by Penn State climate scientist Michael Mann at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-e-mann/climate-change-pause_b_6671076.html" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-e-mann/climate-change-pause_b_6671076.html">Huffington Post</a>: "..<em>.It is true that Earth's surface warmed a bit less than models predicted it to over the past decade-and-a-half or so. This doesn't mean that the models are flawed. Instead, it points to a discrepancy that likely arose from a combination of three main factors (see the discussion my piece last year in <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/earth-will-cross-the-climate-danger-threshold-by-2036/" href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/earth-will-cross-the-climate-danger-threshold-by-2036/" target="_hplink">Scientific American</a>). These factors include the likely underestimation of the actual warming that has occurred, due to gaps in the observational data. Secondly, scientists have failed to include in model simulations some natural factors (low-level but persistent volcanic eruptions and a small dip in solar output) that had a slight cooling influence on Earth's climate. Finally, there is the possibility that internal, natural oscillations in temperature may have masked some surface warming in recent decades, much as an outbreak of Arctic air can mask the seasonal warming of spring during a late season cold snap. One could call it a global warming "speed bump." In fact, <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-e-mann/global-warming-speed-bump_b_4756711.html" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-e-mann/global-warming-speed-bump_b_4756711.html" target="_hplink">I have</a></em>..."<br /><br />* An abstract of the new research is available at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.sciencemag.org/content/347/6225/988.abstract" href="http://www.sciencemag.org/content/347/6225/988.abstract">Science Magazine</a>.<br /><br />* Reuters has more on the latest research <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/26/climatechange-warming-idUSL5N0VZ49P20150226" href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/26/climatechange-warming-idUSL5N0VZ49P20150226">here</a>.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425050043_craters.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425050043_craters.jpg" style="height: 180px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Climate Change Might Be Causing These Huge Craters in Siberia</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="https://news.vice.com/article/climate-change-might-be-causing-these-huge-craters-in-siberia" href="https://news.vice.com/article/climate-change-might-be-causing-these-huge-craters-in-siberia">VICE News</a> has the story - here's the introduction: "<em>Reports of new methane-eruption craters in the Siberian permafrost have piqued the interest of scientists around the higher latitudes who see it as a new sign of a warming climate. The first craters were identified in summer 2014 in the natural gas-rich Yamal Peninsula, which juts into the frigid Kara Sea more than 2,000 miles northeast of Moscow. They're suspected to have been caused by eruptions of methane from beneath the region's permafrost soil, which has been thawing during recent summers</em>..."<br /><br /><u>Photo credit</u>: Vladimir Pushkarev/Russian Centre of Arctic Exploration/Reuters.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 309px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425049640_inhofe.jpg" height="410" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425049640_inhofe.jpg" width="309" /></div><strong>No, Snowballs Don't Invalidate Man-Made Climate Change</strong>. If it ever gets to the point where there are no cold fronts and not enough snow to make a snowball, the planet will have far bigger problems. Here's the intro to a story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2015/02/26/inhofe_throws_a_snowball_on_senate_floor_to_disprove_global_warming_video.html" href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2015/02/26/inhofe_throws_a_snowball_on_senate_floor_to_disprove_global_warming_video.html">Slate</a>: "<em>During rambling remarks Thursday afternoon, James Inhofe of Oklahoma, the chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, used a snowball as a prop on the Senate floor. The apparent purpose of this stunt: to show the recent spate of cold weather in the Northeast is a sign that <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2015/01/21/senate_votes_that_climate_change_is_real_but_doesn_t_agree_on_cause.html" href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2015/01/21/senate_votes_that_climate_change_is_real_but_doesn_t_agree_on_cause.html">human activity isn’t causing climate change</a>.</em>..."<br /><br />* Senator Inhofe's snowball even has its own T<a data-cke-saved-href="https://twitter.com/InhofesSnowBall?lang=en" href="https://twitter.com/InhofesSnowBall?lang=en">witter page</a>.<br /><div class="photo " style="width: 350px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425054990_6.jpg" height="408" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425054990_6.jpg" width="350" /></div><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 323px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425054761_kochbrothers.jpg" height="213" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425054761_kochbrothers.jpg" width="323" /></div><strong>What Happened To The Lobbyists Who Tried to Reshape the U.S. View of Climate Change?</strong> Again, tobacco times 1,000, based on the amount of money and (fossil fuel) value at risk. Follow the money. Here's an excerpt of an illuminating article at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/feb/27/what-happened-to-lobbyists-who-tried-reshape-us-view-climate-change" href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/feb/27/what-happened-to-lobbyists-who-tried-reshape-us-view-climate-change">The Guardian</a>: "...<em>With an overall budget of $2m (£1.3m) the plan would look to reshape the view of climate change science among the public and policy makers in a way that would favour the industries that stood to lose the most from regulations limiting greenhouse gas emissions. The investigation published here, with support from <a class="u-underline" data-cke-saved-href="http://www.desmogblog.com/" data-component="in-body-link" data-link-name="in body link" href="http://www.desmogblog.com/">DeSmogBlog</a> and the <a class="u-underline" data-cke-saved-href="http://www.climateinvestigations.org/" data-component="in-body-link" data-link-name="in body link" href="http://www.climateinvestigations.org/">Climate Investigations Center</a> (CIC), finds many of those involved are still trying to convince politicians, legislators and the public that the science is faulty or can be largely ignored</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 387px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425054812_EarthThinkstock.jpg" height="259" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425054812_EarthThinkstock.jpg" width="387" /></div><strong>Most People Are Neither "Alarmist" Nor "In Denial" About Climate Change</strong>. The name-calling isn't helping (anyone) at this point, argues <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2015/feb/27/most-people-are-neither-alarmist-nor-in-denial-about-climate-change" href="http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2015/feb/27/most-people-are-neither-alarmist-nor-in-denial-about-climate-change">The Guardian</a>; here's an excerpt: "...<em>Some will no doubt argue that people acquire the labels they deserve - and that ‘flat-earther’, climate denying, conspiracy theorists have no interest in productive dialogue with screeching, doom-mongering ‘eco-loons’. A climate change bun fight is certainly an entertaining way to kill a spare few minutes on social media. But for the vast majority of people who don’t fall easily into any obvious climate-category, the focus on baiting, courting or battling with the tiny minority of individuals who self-identify as a climate change sceptic is a distraction</em>..."<br /><hr /><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 344px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425054850_earthReuters.jpg" height="227" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425054850_earthReuters.jpg" width="344" /></div><strong>Most Americans See Combating Climate Change as a Moral Duty</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/27/us-usa-climate-poll-idUSKBN0LV0CV20150227" href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/27/us-usa-climate-poll-idUSKBN0LV0CV20150227">Reuters</a> has the article - here's the introduction: "<em><span id="articleText"><span class="focusParagraph">A significant majority of Americans say combating climate change is a moral issue that obligates them – and world leaders - to reduce carbon emissions, a Reuters/IPSOS poll has found.</span></span></em><span id="articleText"><em> The poll of 2,827 Americans was conducted in February to measure the impact of moral language, including interventions by Pope Francis, on the climate change debate. In recent months, the pope has warned about the moral consequences of failing to act on rising global temperatures, which are expected to disproportionately affect the lives of the world’s poor</em>.</span>.."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 362px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424963558_3.jpg" height="247" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424963558_3.jpg" width="362" /></div><div dir="ltr"><strong>New Study Directly Measures Greenhouse Effect at Earth's Surface. </strong><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.carbonbrief.org/blog/2015/02/new-study-directly-measures-greenhouse-effect-at-earths-surface/" href="http://www.carbonbrief.org/blog/2015/02/new-study-directly-measures-greenhouse-effect-at-earths-surface/">Carbon Brief</a> has the story and video; here's a clip: "...<em>The researchers used a set of instruments to take thousands of measurements at the Earth's surface. The instruments record the longwave energy that is re-emitted by greenhouse gases back towards the Earth's surface, which causes the warming. Making these sorts of measurements on the ground is difficult, says lead author&nbsp;<a data-cke-saved-href="http://esd.lbl.gov/about/staff/danielfeldman/" href="http://esd.lbl.gov/about/staff/danielfeldman/">Dr Daniel Feldman</a>, a geological scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in the US. With weather systems passing overhead, and temperatures and humidity changing frequently, it's tricky to take energy measurements without other factors getting in the way</em>..."</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><u>Graphic credit</u> above: "<em>How carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere have changed (blue line) and their warming effect ('forcing') on the climate over the same time period (orange line), for the southern Great Plains site (first graph shown) and the northern Alaska site (second). The seasonal fluctuations are caused by the rise and fall in plant photosynthesis in summer and winter, respectively</em>." Source: Feldman et al. (<a data-cke-saved-href="http://mandrillapp.com/track/click/30195101/dx.doi.org?p=eyJzIjoiZldLYmZKS3oxbXlpdWJsRm12YkRhUXlpQjU4IiwidiI6MSwicCI6IntcInVcIjozMDE5NTEwMSxcInZcIjoxLFwidXJsXCI6XCJodHRwOlxcXC9cXFwvZHguZG9pLm9yZ1xcXC8xMC4xMDM4XFxcL25hdHVyZTE0MjQwXCIsXCJpZFwiOlwiNjJiYmY5ZTA4ZTRmNGIxZmE3MWEwNTA0NWJlMWIyM2ZcIixcInVybF9pZHNcIjpbXCIyNzY5NDRjZDFmNGIyY2RlOTI3MzFiM2Q1OTIxNGZhMWQ2ZmZkMTc5XCJdfSJ9" href="http://mandrillapp.com/track/click/30195101/dx.doi.org?p=eyJzIjoiZldLYmZKS3oxbXlpdWJsRm12YkRhUXlpQjU4IiwidiI6MSwicCI6IntcInVcIjozMDE5NTEwMSxcInZcIjoxLFwidXJsXCI6XCJodHRwOlxcXC9cXFwvZHguZG9pLm9yZ1xcXC8xMC4xMDM4XFxcL25hdHVyZTE0MjQwXCIsXCJpZFwiOlwiNjJiYmY5ZTA4ZTRmNGIxZmE3MWEwNTA0NWJlMWIyM2ZcIixcInVybF9pZHNcIjpbXCIyNzY5NDRjZDFmNGIyY2RlOTI3MzFiM2Q1OTIxNGZhMWQ2ZmZkMTc5XCJdfSJ9">2015</a>).</div><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 299px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424981417_ModisEarth.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424981417_ModisEarth.jpg" style="height: 179px; width: 299px;" /></div><div dir="ltr"><strong>You Want Jobs? Try a Carbon Fee and Dividend</strong>. Here's an excerpt of an Op-Ed at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.syracuse.com/opinion/index.ssf/2015/02/the_keystone_veto_you_want_jobs_try_a_carbon_fee_and_dividend_commentary.html" href="http://www.syracuse.com/opinion/index.ssf/2015/02/the_keystone_veto_you_want_jobs_try_a_carbon_fee_and_dividend_commentary.html">syracuse.com</a> that resonated: "...<em>The proposal I'm talking about is <a data-cke-saved-href="http://newsoffice.mit.edu/2014/george-shultz-climate-change-mit-talk-1001" href="http://newsoffice.mit.edu/2014/george-shultz-climate-change-mit-talk-1001" target="_blank">George Shultz's Carbon Fee and Dividend</a>. Shultz, former Secretary of State under Ronald Reagan, promotes this plan as the conservative answer to climate change, because it won't increase the size of government. It works like this: A steadily rising fee - starting at $15 per ton of carbon-dioxide - is placed on fossil fuels at or near the first point of sale, increasing by $10 per ton of CO2 each year. Revenue from the fee is divided up equally and returned to all households</em>..."</div>Paul Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119711149976645625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575361857149684460.post-74552350932985877382015-02-26T23:20:00.000-06:002015-02-26T23:20:13.236-06:00Major Shift in the Pattern Less Than 2 Weeks Away - Snow Potential Next Tuesday<strong>-3 F</strong>. low in the Twin Cities Thursday morning.<br /><strong>11 F</strong>. high yesterday afternoon at KMSP.<br /><strong>33 F</strong>. average high on February 26.<br /><strong>20 F</strong>. high on February 26, 2014.<br /><br /><strong>1" of snow</strong> on the ground.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #660000;">February 26, 1981</span></b>: Thunderstorms move across Minnesota dumping 1.61 inches of rain at Montevideo. Many places were glazed over with ice.<br /><b><span style="color: #660000;">February 26, 1948</span></b>: Severe ice storm over central Minnesota. At the St Cloud Weather Office 1/2 inch of clear ice was measured. 65 telephone poles were down between St Cloud and Rice.<br /><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424981846_10.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424981846_10.jpg" style="height: 244px; width: 630px;" /></div><br /><strong>Kinder and Gentler?</strong><br /><br />I don't want to bury the lead: it may "snow" next Tuesday. The atmosphere will be shifting gears to a milder, March-like pattern as the storm track lifts north. No guarantees, but I wouldn't retire the old snow shovel just yet.<br /><br />The GFS is hinting at 40s within 2 weeks, so expect volatility and big weather swings in the weeks to come. Pretty typical for March.<br /><br />We all experience weather, not climate, which makes it hard to notice the big trends. If I'm cold how can the planet be warming? Or as John Oliver quipped: "I just ate so there must be no global hunger." We live in our bubbles and rely on scientists to analyze the big picture and remind us why it matters.<br />You may be shivering, but 4 of the 5 smallest "winter cold pools" on record over the Northern Hemisphere have been observed since 2004. And Minnesota is one of the 5 fastest warming states in the USA. Winter temperatures here have warmed at least 4F since 1970, according to Climate Central. Details below.<br /><br />Warmer air and oceans are increasing water vapor; more fuel for major winter storms and excessive snows. Boston just picked up 100 inches in about a month - 10 times more than average. The statistical odds? 1-in-26,315. Good grief.<br /><hr />* weather model output above valid 18z next Tuesday courtesy of WSI.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 343px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424982150_bos1.jpg" height="220" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424982150_bos1.jpg" width="343" /></div><strong>Boston's Astounding Month of Snow a 1-in-26,315 Year Occurrence</strong>. 100" in a month is pretty impressive, but it's off-the-charts-amazing for Boston, where normal February snowfall is closer to 10". What are the odds? Here's an excerpt of a good story from Eric Holthause at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/wp/2015/02/25/bostons-astounding-month-of-snow-a-1-in-26315-year-occurrence/" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/wp/2015/02/25/bostons-astounding-month-of-snow-a-1-in-26315-year-occurrence/">The Washington Post</a>: "...<em>To do this, he parsed through every three-day period (to maintain meteorological plausibility and prevent the possibility of back-to-back-to-back 20-inch snowstorms) and then randomly generated a set of hypothetical winters consistent with the city’s climate history. His analysis shows that given a static climate, Boston can expect a winter with a 30-day stretch like this one only once approximately every 26,315 years — 38 out of a million.</em>.."<br /><br /><u>Photo credit</u> above: "<em>A sign advertising a home for sale peaks from a mound of snow, Monday, Feb. 23, 2015, in Marlborough, Mass. Real estate agents have found that purchase closings are being held up because of the heavy snowfall in the Boston area</em>." (AP Photo/Bill Sikes).<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 531px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424964002_NorthernHemispherecoldpooltrends.jpg" height="333" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424964002_NorthernHemispherecoldpooltrends.jpg" width="407" /></div><strong>Even As The Eastern U.S. Freezes, There's Less Cold Air In Winter Than Ever Before</strong>. The winter cold pools are trending smaller over time over the Northern Hemisphere, but they seem to be (consistently) setting up over the eastern USA and eastern Canada as polar air becomes displaced south by a rapidly warming Arctic. But temperatures aloft, about 1 mile above surface level, show the trends. Here's an excerpt of a Jason Samenow story at the <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/wp/2015/02/25/even-as-the-eastern-u-s-freezes-theres-less-cold-air-in-winter-than-ever-before/" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/wp/2015/02/25/even-as-the-eastern-u-s-freezes-theres-less-cold-air-in-winter-than-ever-before/">Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang</a>: "...<em>In a <a data-cke-saved-href="http://journals.ametsoc.org/doi/abs/10.1175/JCLI-D-14-00496.1" href="http://journals.ametsoc.org/doi/abs/10.1175/JCLI-D-14-00496.1">study accepted for publication in the Journal of Climate</a>, Martin found that four of the five smallest Northern Hemisphere cold pools on record —&nbsp;averaged over the winter —&nbsp;have occurred since 2004. “Only 12 of the 43 winter seasons before 1990-1991 had below average seasonally averaged areas whereas 20 of 24 winter seasons have had below average seasonally averaged areas since,” the study says</em>..."<br /><br /><u>Graphic credit</u> above: "<span class="pb-caption"><em>Blue and red bars illustrate the annual difference from the long-term average in the area of the Northern Hemisphere cold pool. The light gray line portrays the surface temperature difference from average from the UK Hadley Centre</em>." (Jonathan Martin, Journal of Climate)</span>.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 475px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424965977_winterwarmingClimateCentral.jpg" height="301" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424965977_winterwarmingClimateCentral.jpg" width="475" /></div><strong>Warming Winters: U.S. Temperature Trends</strong>. We experience weather, not climate, which is one (of many) factors that makes this issue so complex. If you're freezing your butt off how ON EARTH can the atmosphere be warming? Not at my house! Keeping a global perspective is difficult, but essential when discussing climate trends. Here's an excerpt from <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/winters-are-warming-all-across-the-us-15590" href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/winters-are-warming-all-across-the-us-15590">Climate Central</a> focused on the rate of winter warming across the USA: "...<em>Since 1970, winters in the top 5 fastest-warming states — Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Vermont&nbsp;and South Dakota — heated up four-and-a-half times faster than winters in the 5 slowest-warming states:&nbsp;Nevada, California, Oregon, Colorado, and Washington. The five fastest-warming states have seen at least 4<sup>o</sup>F warming in winters since 1970</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425013500_spark.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425013500_spark.jpg" style="height: 276px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Cold Bias Into Next Week</strong>. The next thaw may not come until a week from tomorrow, based on the latest guidance. Temperatures recover into the mid and upper 30s over the weekend, pathetically reasonable I guess. The next chance of accumulating snow (remember that?) is Tuesday, and it could be a few inches, even enough to shovel and plow, depending on the final storm track and how much moisture surges north. I'm going way out on a limb, but there's a chance subzero lows late next week may be the last, or among the last, of the winter season, based on the significant warming I see for mid and late March.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 464px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425013524_jet1.jpg" height="424" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425013524_jet1.jpg" width="464" /></div><strong>Zonal Winds Aloft by Mid-March</strong>. We'll see more cold fronts, but the odds of subzero nighttime lows should drop off significantly within 2 weeks as winds at 500 mb (18,000 feet) blow from Vancouver, instead of Saskatoon. By mid-March much of the Lower 48 will be easing into a more springlike pattern. Map: GrADS:COLA/IGES.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425013542_gfs2.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425013542_gfs2.jpg" style="height: 293px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Worth The Wait?</strong> This has been a chilly February (8.5F colder than average, to date) but temperatures may rebound just as quickly in March. An extended period above freezing is forecast by the GFS after March 10 or so, even a few days in the 40s to near 50F. Amazingly it may be warm enough aloft for rain within 10-12 days.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 295px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424963270_2.jpg" height="335" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424963270_2.jpg" width="295" /></div><strong>Videographer Captures Elusive Green Flash at Sunset on Hawaii's North Shore</strong>. I'm very jealous - I've looked for the green flash for the better part of 40 years. Still no luck. Here's a story excerpt and video (proving it does exist!) at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/25/green-flash-sunset_n_6748184.html?ncid=newsltushpmg00000003" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/25/green-flash-sunset_n_6748184.html?ncid=newsltushpmg00000003">Huffington Post</a>: "...<em>When it comes to the green flash at sunset, people fall into one of two camps: those who have seen it with their very eyes and swear by its majesty, and those who say it's just a figment of our imagination. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.stermanaerials.com" href="http://www.stermanaerials.com/" target="_hplink">Hawaii-based videographer Eric Sterman</a> falls into the former, having recently caught the flash while making a time-lapse video of the sunset on the north shore of Oahu</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 508px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424964241_4.jpg" height="353" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424964241_4.jpg" width="508" /></div><strong>By The Time You Read This, They've Slapped a Solar Panel on your Roof.</strong> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-25/in-the-time-it-takes-to-read-this-story-another-solar-project-will-go-up" href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-25/in-the-time-it-takes-to-read-this-story-another-solar-project-will-go-up">Bloomberg Business</a> takes a look at the trends; here's a snippet: "<em>Solar is so cheap, the problem now is how to pay for it. Prices for panels&nbsp;are down more than 65 percent in five years, to less than 70¢ a watt.&nbsp;What's next?&nbsp; One word, Ben: financing. Building a solar generating facility—either a massive one in a desert or a tiny one on the roof—involves serious up-front costs</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 353px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424967421_tesla1.jpg" height="198" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424967421_tesla1.jpg" width="353" /></div><strong>Tesla Gearing Up For Release of Batteries for the Home</strong>. I have yet to meet (anyone) who doesn't like free stuff. That applies to free energy, free electricity, harvesting the free power that hits your home every day. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.gizmag.com/tesla-home-battery/36276/?utm_source=Gizmag+Subscribers&amp;utm_campaign=768f1f3c48-UA-2235360-4&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_65b67362bd-768f1f3c48-89969994" href="http://www.gizmag.com/tesla-home-battery/36276/?utm_source=Gizmag+Subscribers&amp;utm_campaign=768f1f3c48-UA-2235360-4&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_65b67362bd-768f1f3c48-89969994">Gizmag</a> has the details on how you'll soon be able to benefit from home solar panels and a well-positioned battery: "...<em>The same lithium-ion battery technology that powers Tesla’s electric vehicles will be used to develop a battery for the home, according to a statement by CEO Elon Musk during a recent conference call with analysts. The batteries would be used by homes and businesses to store excess energy generated from solar panels during the day, and drawn from at night when panels sit idle.</em>.."<br /><br /><u>Image credit</u> above: "<em>Tesla home battery, which is currently produced for SolarCity's home energy storage system</em>." (House Photo: <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-250408324/stock-photo-australian-solar-panels.html?src=3TlkIGrZp-6EYI-5_shsKw-1-78&amp;ws=1" href="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-250408324/stock-photo-australian-solar-panels.html?src=3TlkIGrZp-6EYI-5_shsKw-1-78&amp;ws=1" target="_blank">Shutterstock</a>)<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 475px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424979652_6.jpg" height="210" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424979652_6.jpg" width="475" /></div><strong>Close-Up Lightning Strike Compilation</strong>. No, don't try this at home - some of these close calls are truly amazing. Check out the <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltK5c60nBHQ" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltK5c60nBHQ">YouTube clip</a>, which has received 3.7 million views.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 385px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424964657_5.jpg" height="253" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424964657_5.jpg" width="385" /></div><strong>Jordan's 6,000 Mosques Will Soon Have Rooftop Solar</strong>. This is a trend I see with churches, synagogues and mosques worldwide as houses of worship realize there's plenty of free energy to harvest and the ROI is significant. Here's a clip from ThinkProgress: "...<em>Ahmad Abu Saa, a representative of the renewable energy department at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in Jordan, <a data-cke-saved-href="http://m.jordantimes.com/article/solar-panels-to-be-installed-at-mosques" href="http://m.jordantimes.com/article/solar-panels-to-be-installed-at-mosques">told</a> the Jordan Times this week that a new project to be implemented this year aims to install photovoltaic solar systems on all of the country’s 6,000 mosques. The project will start by covering 120 mosques</em>..."<br /><br /><div class="photo-credit"><u>Photo credit</u> above: "<em>The Abu Darweesh Mosque in Amman, Jordan</em>." CREDIT: Wikimedia Commons/David Bjorgen.</div><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 290px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424983818_tech1.jpg" height="193" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424983818_tech1.jpg" width="290" /></div><div class="photo-credit"><strong>The Robots Are Coming</strong>. Is your job in danger of being disrupted by robotics in the not-too-distant future? Here's an excerpt from a fascinating read at the <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.lrb.co.uk/v37/n05/john-lanchester/the-robots-are-coming?utm_source=nextdraft&amp;utm_medium=email" href="http://www.lrb.co.uk/v37/n05/john-lanchester/the-robots-are-coming?utm_source=nextdraft&amp;utm_medium=email">London Review of Books</a>: "...<em>Frey and Osborne’s conclusion is stark. In the next two decades, 47 per cent of employment is ‘in the high-risk category’, meaning it is ‘potentially automatable’. Interestingly, though not especially cheeringly, it is mainly less well-paid workers who are most at risk. Recent decades have seen a polarisation in the job market, with increased employment at the top and bottom of the pay distribution, and a squeeze on middle incomes. ‘Rather than reducing the demand for middle-income occupations, which has been the pattern over the past decades, our model predicts that computerisation will mainly substitute for low-skill and low-wage jobs in the near future.</em>.."</div><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 351px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424904337_30.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424904337_30.jpg" style="height: 235px; width: 351px;" /></div><strong>8 Foods That Help Improve Your Memory</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.details.com/blogs/daily-details/2015/02/foods-that-improve-memory.html?lang=en&amp;utm_campaign=10today&amp;flab_cell_id=2&amp;flab_experiment_id=19&amp;uid=153834883&amp;utm_content=article&amp;utm_source=email&amp;part=s1&amp;utm_medium=10today.0225&amp;position=8&amp;china_variant=False" href="http://www.details.com/blogs/daily-details/2015/02/foods-that-improve-memory.html?lang=en&amp;utm_campaign=10today&amp;flab_cell_id=2&amp;flab_experiment_id=19&amp;uid=153834883&amp;utm_content=article&amp;utm_source=email&amp;part=s1&amp;utm_medium=10today.0225&amp;position=8&amp;china_variant=False">Details</a> has the article - what I would give to take a daily memory pill, in the meantime I'm trying to get more salmon in my diet after reading the story; here's an excerpt: "...<em>Forgot what you're looking for? Bad with names? Writing down a lot of lists but then misplacing them? Like most people, you're experiencing some memory loss—and growing older doesn't help matters. Luckily, researchers all over the world are scouring the earth looking for ingredients that might organically improve human recall. Scan the menu of ingredients below and, if you make the right diet changes, you too could develop a <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.details.com/culture-trends/critical-eye/201004/memory-champ-ron-white" href="http://www.details.com/culture-trends/critical-eye/201004/memory-champ-ron-white" target="_blank">champion's memory</a></em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424904270_20.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424904270_20.jpg" style="height: 345px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Mapped: These Are The Quietest Spots in America</strong>. Northern Minnesota is looking pretty good in the quiet-category; here's an excerpt of a story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://qz.com/346437/mapped-these-are-the-quietest-spots-in-america/?lang=en&amp;utm_campaign=10today&amp;flab_cell_id=2&amp;flab_experiment_id=19&amp;uid=153834883&amp;utm_content=article&amp;utm_source=email&amp;part=s1&amp;utm_medium=10today.0225&amp;position=3&amp;china_variant=False" href="http://qz.com/346437/mapped-these-are-the-quietest-spots-in-america/?lang=en&amp;utm_campaign=10today&amp;flab_cell_id=2&amp;flab_experiment_id=19&amp;uid=153834883&amp;utm_content=article&amp;utm_source=email&amp;part=s1&amp;utm_medium=10today.0225&amp;position=3&amp;china_variant=False">Quartz</a>: "...<span class="anno-span"><em>Researchers used sound data collected from 546 sites around the US over the past 10 summers, then&nbsp;estimated the noise levels in the remaining areas&nbsp;based on factors like population density, roadway sizes, and&nbsp;proximity to airports, Fristrup tells Quartz</em>..."</span><br /><br /><span class="anno-span"><u>Map credit</u> above: "</span><em>The dark blue areas are the quietest, and the yellow to white are the loudest</em>.<span class="featured-image-credit">" (National Park Service, Natural Sounds &amp; Night Skies Division)</span>.<br /><hr /><strong>A New Definition of Recyled: KFC To Roll Out New, Edible Coffee Cups</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://time.com/3723399/kfc-uk-edible-cups/" href="http://time.com/3723399/kfc-uk-edible-cups/">TIME Magazine</a> has the curious details: "<em>KFC is planning to serve its customers coffee in a <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/26/business/the-chicken-at-kfc-is-ok-but-the-cups-are-delicious.html" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/26/business/the-chicken-at-kfc-is-ok-but-the-cups-are-delicious.html" target="_blank">cup they can eat</a>. The fast food chain will soon debut edible cups at all its U.K. franchises, the New York Times reported. The cups will be made from wafers lined with heat-resistant white chocolate and wrapped in sugar paper, and will be introduced to KFC along with Starbucks brand Seattle’s Best Coffee</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 386px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424965389_GetToWork.png" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424965389_GetToWork.png" style="height: 310px; width: 386px;" /></div><strong>How To Identify The One Thing You Were Born To Do</strong>. For me the answer is "napping". I'm damn good at it too. Here's an excerpt from <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.nextavenue.org/article/2013-11/how-identify-one-thing-you-were-born-do?utm_source=Next+Avenue+Email+Newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=711a85b74d-02_19_2015_Newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_056a405b5a-711a85b74d-165030833&amp;mc_cid=711a85b74d&amp;mc_eid=a53dddcf3a" href="http://www.nextavenue.org/article/2013-11/how-identify-one-thing-you-were-born-do?utm_source=Next+Avenue+Email+Newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=711a85b74d-02_19_2015_Newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_056a405b5a-711a85b74d-165030833&amp;mc_cid=711a85b74d&amp;mc_eid=a53dddcf3a">PBS Next Avenue</a>: "...<br /><strong>1.</strong> Even if you didn’t get paid a cent for it, would you still do this?<br /><br /><strong>2.</strong> Would doing this inspire you every day?<br /><br /><strong>3.</strong> Does doing this come as naturally to you as breathing?<br /><br /><strong>4.</strong> Do you feel you’ve been given a special gift to do this?<br /><br /><strong>5.</strong> Does time seem to fly by when you’re engaged in this activity?<br /><br /><strong>6.</strong> Can you possibly make money doing this?<br /><br /><em>People often have difficulty answering yes or no to Questions No. 4 and No. 6. For Question No. 4, keep in mind that while you might not yet be a <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.nextavenue.org/article/2013-06/5-abilities-you-need-master-after-50" href="http://www.nextavenue.org/article/2013-06/5-abilities-you-need-master-after-50" target="_blank">master</a> of this activity, if you feel passionately about it and/or spend a lot of time engaging in it, you may have been given a special gift to do it. In such cases, your answer to Question No. 4 is likely to be yes.</em>.."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 307px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424962958_1.jpg" height="330" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424962958_1.jpg" width="307" /></div><strong>The Number One Song On The Day You Were Born?</strong> You can also find out the #1 song on the day you were conceived, but that's just too painful to imagine, so let's keep it basic. Thanks to <a data-cke-saved-href="http://playback.fm/birthday-song?ncid=newsltushpmg00000003" href="http://playback.fm/birthday-song?ncid=newsltushpmg00000003">playback.fm</a> for doing the heavy lifting.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 373px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424985563_frozenwaves.jpg" height="373" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424985563_frozenwaves.jpg" width="373" /></div><strong>Frozen Waves?</strong> This is a new one - I can't recall ever seeing such a thing before. Thanks to <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.facebook.com/paul.dellegattofox/posts/861132670613071" href="https://www.facebook.com/paul.dellegattofox/posts/861132670613071">Facebook</a> and FOX 13's Paul Dellegatto for passing on photos from Nantucket. Think those folks are looking forward to spring: "<em>The images from the record setting winter in the northeast have been incredible...here are a few more....near frozen waves - like rolling slurpees - on the beaches of Nantucket</em>." (Photo credit: Jonathan Nimerfroh). Original photos courtesy of <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.staywildmagazine.com/news/2015/2/24/the-slurpee-waves-of-nantucket" href="http://www.staywildmagazine.com/news/2015/2/24/the-slurpee-waves-of-nantucket">Stay Wild Magazine</a>.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425013472_panoramaFeb262015.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1425013472_panoramaFeb262015.jpg" style="height: 176px; width: 630px;" /></div><br />TODAY: Sunny and brisk, lighter winds. Winds: SW 5-10. High: 15<br /><strong>FRIDAY NIGHT</strong>: Partly cloudy. Low: 6<br /><strong>SATURDAY</strong>: Sunny start, clouds increase. High: 26<br /><strong>SUNDAY</strong>: Mostly cloudy, colder breeze. Wake-up: 18. High: 27<br />MONDAY: Blue sky, cooler than average. Wake-up: 11. High: 26<br />TUESDAY: Wet snow or mix. Plowable amounts? Wake-up: 20. High: 28<br />WEDNESDAY: Flurries taper early. Drying out. Wake-up: 7. High: 15<br />THURSDAY: Partly sunny, feels like February. Wake-up: -2. High: 14<br /><br /><hr /><strong>Climate Stories...</strong><br /><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 384px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424984125_2sunsetJuly182014.jpg" height="285" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424984125_2sunsetJuly182014.jpg" width="384" /></div><strong>Yes, Global Warming Has Slowed Down A Little. And Yes, You Should Still Worry. </strong>Warming of the oceans has accelerated, temperatures over land holding nearly steady since the turn of the century. New research suggests any land-based temperature plateau may be temporary; here's a snippet from <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/02/26/yes-global-warming-has-slowed-down-a-little-and-yes-you-should-still-worry/" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/02/26/yes-global-warming-has-slowed-down-a-little-and-yes-you-should-still-worry/">The Washington Post</a>: "...<em>Ever since, climate scientists have been trying to explain why the world has seen a somewhat slower rate of warming in recent years — and publishing multiple papers on the topic. Now, though, a&nbsp;<a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.sciencemag.org/content/347/6225/988.abstract" href="http://www.sciencemag.org/content/347/6225/988.abstract">new study in the journal </a><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.sciencemag.org/content/347/6225/988.abstract" href="http://www.sciencemag.org/content/347/6225/988.abstract">Science</a>&nbsp;suggests that &nbsp;that the global warming “pause” may soon run its course, and, anyway, it seems to have been caused by natural variability in the climate system. Thus, the slowdown, such as it was, certainly is no reason not to worry about a longer-term climate trend driven by humanity’s greenhouse gas emissions</em>..."<br /><br />* an abstract of the new research is available at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.sciencemag.org/content/347/6225/988.abstract" href="http://www.sciencemag.org/content/347/6225/988.abstract">Science Magazine</a>.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 362px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424963558_3.jpg" height="247" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424963558_3.jpg" width="362" /></div><div dir="ltr"><strong>New Study Directly Measures Greenhouse Effect at Earth's Surface. </strong><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.carbonbrief.org/blog/2015/02/new-study-directly-measures-greenhouse-effect-at-earths-surface/" href="http://www.carbonbrief.org/blog/2015/02/new-study-directly-measures-greenhouse-effect-at-earths-surface/">Carbon Brief</a> has the story and video; here's a clip: "...<em>The researchers used a set of instruments to take thousands of measurements at the Earth's surface. The instruments record the longwave energy that is re-emitted by greenhouse gases back towards the Earth's surface, which causes the warming. Making these sorts of measurements on the ground is difficult, says lead author&nbsp;<a data-cke-saved-href="http://esd.lbl.gov/about/staff/danielfeldman/" href="http://esd.lbl.gov/about/staff/danielfeldman/">Dr Daniel Feldman</a>, a geological scientist at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in the US. With weather systems passing overhead, and temperatures and humidity changing frequently, it's tricky to take energy measurements without other factors getting in the way</em>..."</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><u>Graphic credit</u> above: "<em>How carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere have changed (blue line) and their warming effect ('forcing') on the climate over the same time period (orange line), for the southern Great Plains site (first graph shown) and the northern Alaska site (second). The seasonal fluctuations are caused by the rise and fall in plant photosynthesis in summer and winter, respectively</em>." Source: Feldman et al. (<a data-cke-saved-href="http://mandrillapp.com/track/click/30195101/dx.doi.org?p=eyJzIjoiZldLYmZKS3oxbXlpdWJsRm12YkRhUXlpQjU4IiwidiI6MSwicCI6IntcInVcIjozMDE5NTEwMSxcInZcIjoxLFwidXJsXCI6XCJodHRwOlxcXC9cXFwvZHguZG9pLm9yZ1xcXC8xMC4xMDM4XFxcL25hdHVyZTE0MjQwXCIsXCJpZFwiOlwiNjJiYmY5ZTA4ZTRmNGIxZmE3MWEwNTA0NWJlMWIyM2ZcIixcInVybF9pZHNcIjpbXCIyNzY5NDRjZDFmNGIyY2RlOTI3MzFiM2Q1OTIxNGZhMWQ2ZmZkMTc5XCJdfSJ9" href="http://mandrillapp.com/track/click/30195101/dx.doi.org?p=eyJzIjoiZldLYmZKS3oxbXlpdWJsRm12YkRhUXlpQjU4IiwidiI6MSwicCI6IntcInVcIjozMDE5NTEwMSxcInZcIjoxLFwidXJsXCI6XCJodHRwOlxcXC9cXFwvZHguZG9pLm9yZ1xcXC8xMC4xMDM4XFxcL25hdHVyZTE0MjQwXCIsXCJpZFwiOlwiNjJiYmY5ZTA4ZTRmNGIxZmE3MWEwNTA0NWJlMWIyM2ZcIixcInVybF9pZHNcIjpbXCIyNzY5NDRjZDFmNGIyY2RlOTI3MzFiM2Q1OTIxNGZhMWQ2ZmZkMTc5XCJdfSJ9">2015</a>).</div><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 299px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424981417_ModisEarth.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424981417_ModisEarth.jpg" style="height: 179px; width: 299px;" /></div><div dir="ltr"><strong>You Want Jobs? Try a Carbon Fee and Dividend</strong>. Here's an excerpt of an Op-Ed at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.syracuse.com/opinion/index.ssf/2015/02/the_keystone_veto_you_want_jobs_try_a_carbon_fee_and_dividend_commentary.html" href="http://www.syracuse.com/opinion/index.ssf/2015/02/the_keystone_veto_you_want_jobs_try_a_carbon_fee_and_dividend_commentary.html">syracuse.com</a> that resonated: "...<em>The proposal I'm talking about is <a data-cke-saved-href="http://newsoffice.mit.edu/2014/george-shultz-climate-change-mit-talk-1001" href="http://newsoffice.mit.edu/2014/george-shultz-climate-change-mit-talk-1001" target="_blank">George Shultz's Carbon Fee and Dividend</a>. Shultz, former Secretary of State under Ronald Reagan, promotes this plan as the conservative answer to climate change, because it won't increase the size of government. It works like this: A steadily rising fee - starting at $15 per ton of carbon-dioxide - is placed on fossil fuels at or near the first point of sale, increasing by $10 per ton of CO2 each year. Revenue from the fee is divided up equally and returned to all households</em>..."</div><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 312px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424904534_drought88StarTribune.jpg" height="185" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424904534_drought88StarTribune.jpg" width="312" /></div><strong>Climate Change Will Hit America in the Breadbasket.</strong> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.nbcnews.com/science/environment/climate-change-will-hit-america-breadbasket-scientists-say-n312091" href="http://www.nbcnews.com/science/environment/climate-change-will-hit-america-breadbasket-scientists-say-n312091">NBC News</a> has the story - here's an excerpt: "...<em>Theoretically, reduced production along the southern edge of the country's grain-producing regions should be offset by <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-04-15/canada-s-climate-warms-to-corn-as-grain-belt-shifts-north" href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-04-15/canada-s-climate-warms-to-corn-as-grain-belt-shifts-north">increased production along the northern edge</a>. The Corn Belt (and Soybean Belt) is <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.agprofessional.com/news/Farmers-will-need-to-adapt-as-Corn-Belt-shifts-north-174242311.html" href="http://www.agprofessional.com/news/Farmers-will-need-to-adapt-as-Corn-Belt-shifts-north-174242311.html">already pushing up past the Canadian border</a>, and Canada's wheat-producing zone is creeping farther north. But in reality, the shift is still likely to produce a net loss in crop production, said Jerry Hatfield, director of the USDA-ARS National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment.</em>.." (File photo: Star Tribune).<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 283px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424904593_oceanNOAA1.jpg" height="211" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424904593_oceanNOAA1.jpg" width="283" /></div><strong>Sea Levels in Northeast Jumped 5 Inches In Just 2 Years, Study Says</strong>. Some of this is sea level rise, some is land subsidence, but the net effect is clear; higher water levels are making coastal storms even more damaging, especially when you superimpose a storm surge and surface waves on top of the rising Atlantic. Here's an excerpt from a story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://mashable.com/2015/02/24/sea-level-rise-spike-northeast/" href="http://mashable.com/2015/02/24/sea-level-rise-spike-northeast/">Mashable</a>: "<em>Sea levels in northeastern North America jumped by more than five inches in a two-year period between 2009 to 2010, a rate unprecedented in the history of tide gauge records, a new study found. The <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.nature.com/ncomms/2015/150224/ncomms7346/full/ncomms7346.html" href="http://www.nature.com/ncomms/2015/150224/ncomms7346/full/ncomms7346.html" target="_blank">study</a>, published Tuesday in the journal Nature Communications, found that the temporary acceleration in long-term sea level rise resulted in coastal flooding and beach erosion along the Northeast coast from New York northward to Atlantic Canada</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 420px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424875582_1.jpg" height="152" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424875582_1.jpg" width="420" /></div><strong>Sea Spike Details</strong>. Here's an excerpt from the new research referenced above via <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.nature.com/ncomms/2015/150224/ncomms7346/full/ncomms7346.html" href="http://www.nature.com/ncomms/2015/150224/ncomms7346/full/ncomms7346.html">Nature Communications</a>: "...<em>The analysis of long-term tide gauge records identified an extreme sea-level rise (SLR) event during 2009–10. Within this 2-year period, the coastal sea level north of New York City jumped by 128 mm. This magnitude of interannual SLR is unprecedented (a 1-in-850 year event) during the entire history of the tide gauge records</em>..."Paul Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119711149976645625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575361857149684460.post-4344132893177066132015-02-25T22:50:00.000-06:002015-02-25T22:50:19.557-06:00A Nagging Subzero Chill - 40s Less Than 2 Weeks Away?<strong>16 F</strong>. high in the Twin Cities Wednesday.<br /><strong>32 F</strong>. average high on February 25.<br /><strong>6 F</strong>. high on February 25, 2014.<br /><br /><strong>1" snow</strong> on the ground at KMSP.<br /><br /><strong>February 25 in Minnesota Weather History</strong>. Source: Twin Cities National Weather Service.<br /><b><span style="color: #660000;">1996</span></b>: A bolt of lightning from a snowstorm causes an explosion at a fireworks storage site in Milaca. One employee was injured and several homes in the area were damaged. An eight foot crater was all that remained where the storage site had been.<br /><b><span style="color: #660000;">1971</span></b>: Extremely low pressure moves across Minnesota. The Twin Cities had a barometer reading of 28.77 inches and Duluth beat that with 28.75. Freezing rain and snow hit northern Minnesota, dumping up to 18 inches in some areas. Areas around Virginia were without power for 5 days.<br /><b><span style="color: #660000;">1896</span></b>: A balmy high of 60 degrees was reported at Maple Plain. The warm weather hampered the annual ice cutting on Lake Independence to store for summer use.<br /><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424901580_winter2.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424901580_winter2.jpg" style="height: 108px; width: 630px;" /></div><br /><strong>Fluke or Trend?</strong><br /><br />At last report The Weather Channel was up to "Juno". At the rate we're going we may get to "Zeus" and then start at the beginning of the alphabet. Personally, I'm dreading Winter Storm "Bubba".<br />From Boston to Dallas; every day there's new video, a litany of records - breathless reporting. Are big winter storms really on the increase? Or has perception become reality, thanks to Twitter and a flood of media outlets?<br /><br />A recent <a data-cke-saved-href="http://nldr.library.ucar.edu/repository/assets/osgc/OSGC-000-000-018-854.pdf" href="http://nldr.library.ucar.edu/repository/assets/osgc/OSGC-000-000-018-854.pdf">NOAA/UCAR paper</a> (Bulletin of the American Meteorological Agency) concluded: "For severe snowstorms and ice storms the number of severe regional snowstorms that occurred since 1960 was more twice that of the preceding 60 years." This is a bigger factor for New England and the East Coast, where warmer water offshore enhances water vapor - meaning more fuel for storms that do spin up, leading to heavier snowfalls.<br /><br />Light snow may brush Minnesota next Tuesday, otherwise the forecast calls for ditto, any big storms with names sliding south of Minnesota - a cold, dry northwest wind flow blowing overhead.<br />I don't see any extended thaws until mid-March, when it may be warm enough for rain. And to Pete, who I sold my 2 snowmobiles to: I'm sorry - I had no idea we'd see so little snow.<br /><br />Next winter will be better, right?<br /><hr />* My friend and meteorologist at WDIV-TV in Detroit, Paul Gross, informs me that five of Detroit's top ten all-time snowiest winters (since 1870) have occurred in the past eleven years.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424924244_animationT.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424924244_animationT.gif" style="height: 429px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>When In Doubt Forecast A Cold Front.</strong> By late February a higher sun angle limits how cold it can get, especially with only an inch of snow on the ground. Expect single-digit highs today with a subzero wind chill. But the sun will be out, and that may help (at least a little). By the weekend temperatures moderate into the 20s. Progress! 2-meter NAM predicted temperatures: NOAA and Ham Weather.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 501px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424924604_41.jpg" height="508" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424924604_41.jpg" width="501" /></div><strong>Son of Polar Vortex?</strong> Which makes for a grabby headline, but it's not valid. This is just cold Canadian air; the pattern still not even close to the odd holding pattern of last winter, where a frigid cut-off low stalled for the better part of 2-3 months east of Hudson Bay. Temperature anomalies valid midday today show the core of cold air passing over the Midwest, while most of the northern hemisphere trends warmer than average; Arctic temperatures still over 4F milder than average.<br /><br /><u>Temperature anomalies</u> obtained using Climate Reanalyzer (http://cci-reanalyzer.org), Climate Change Institute, University of Maine, USA.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424924466_spark.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424924466_spark.jpg" style="height: 276px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Getting Better</strong>. No abrupt surges of Pacific warmth are imminent looking out 10 days or so, but we will see readings a little closer to average early next week. The best chance of light snow over the next week comes next Tuesday, but once again the bulk of any precipitation passes south of Minnesota. Getting to be a habit.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424924481_aeris1.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424924481_aeris1.jpg" style="height: 170px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>A Cruel Trick?</strong> GFS guidance prints out a shot at low 40s by March 9, after a couple of subzero mornings March 5 and 6 (late next week). This solution looks reasonable to me. Spring is coming, but winter is in no great hurry to vacate the premises. Extended temperature prediction: Ham Weather's Aeris Enterprise.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 350px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424875994_cypress.jpg" height="194" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424875994_cypress.jpg" width="350" /></div><strong>North Shore Experiencing Worst Ski Weather in 100 Years</strong>. Speaking of a lack of snow, resorts north of Vancouver, Canada have shut down due to unseasonable warmth and a lack of the white stuff. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://bc.ctvnews.ca/north-shore-experiencing-worst-ski-weather-in-100-years-1.2252113" href="http://bc.ctvnews.ca/north-shore-experiencing-worst-ski-weather-in-100-years-1.2252113">CTV Vancouver News</a> has more details; here's an excerpt: "...<em>The dismal ski season on the North Shore Mountains is being called the worst in a century, and climatologists warn bare slopes could become the norm. Seymour, Grouse, and Cypress are all lacking in snow, a disappointing sight for local skiers and international tourists who travelled thousands of kilometres to enjoy the popular hills. Scientists see the conditions as a statistical anomaly – a one-in-33-year occurrence – but projections suggest there will be more and more of them as the decades pass</em>..."<br /><br /><u>Image credit</u> above: "<em>Bare ski runs on Cypress Mountain are seen from CTV's Chopper 9 helicopter. Feb. 24, 2015</em>."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 198px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424813822_10.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424813822_10.jpg" style="height: 121px; width: 198px;" /></div><strong>Minnesota's Biggest Polluters Spending Over $10 Million to Pollute Politics</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.environmentminnesota.org/news/mne/minnesota%E2%80%99s-biggest-polluters-spending-over-10-million-pollute-politics" href="http://www.environmentminnesota.org/news/mne/minnesota%E2%80%99s-biggest-polluters-spending-over-10-million-pollute-politics">Environment Minnesota</a> has the press release, here's an excerpt that caught my eye: "...<em>Right now, polluters are lobbying their allies on Capitol Hill to derail EPA’s plan to restore Clean Water Act protections to 47,000 miles of streams in Minnesota. Loopholes in the law currently leave the waterways that feed the drinking water for 970,000 at risk. “When powerful special interests spend millions to influence our elections and lobby decisionmakers, they drown out the voices of everyday Americans.” said Minneapolis City Council Member Cam Gordon. “To make sure we’re able to protect our environment and our health, we need reforms to stop the flow of big money into politics.</em>...”<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 277px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424815099_boston2.jpg" height="206" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424815099_boston2.jpg" width="277" /></div><strong>Don't Weather-Shame Washington D.C</strong>. Here's an excerpt of an interesting story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/susan-milligan/2015/02/18/dont-snow-shame-washington-talk-about-climate-change-instead" href="http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/susan-milligan/2015/02/18/dont-snow-shame-washington-talk-about-climate-change-instead">U.S. News and World Report</a>: "...<em>This isn’t a battle of toughness. This is a loudly clanging warning about climate change. The world is indeed getting warmer – <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-30852588" href="http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-30852588">2014 was the warmest year</a> in modern history – and severe weather patterns are a consequence of that. No, we can’t blame any of Boston’s snowstorms, individually, on climate change, any more than a heart attack victim can attribute the event to the double cheeseburger eaten the previous day. This is about long-term, sustained changes in climate and weather. The number of severe, regional snowstorms since 1960 is more than double that of the previous 60 years, according to <a data-cke-saved-href="http://nldr.library.ucar.edu/repository/assets/osgc/OSGC-000-000-018-854.pdf" href="http://nldr.library.ucar.edu/repository/assets/osgc/OSGC-000-000-018-854.pdf">a report</a> in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. Where will it be in 60 more years?</em>..." (File photo: AP).<br /><br />* The research paper referenced above is <a data-cke-saved-href="http://nldr.library.ucar.edu/repository/assets/osgc/OSGC-000-000-018-854.pdf" href="http://nldr.library.ucar.edu/repository/assets/osgc/OSGC-000-000-018-854.pdf">here</a>, courtesy of UCAR.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 351px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424904337_30.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424904337_30.jpg" style="height: 235px; width: 351px;" /></div><strong>8 Foods That Help Improve Your Memory</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.details.com/blogs/daily-details/2015/02/foods-that-improve-memory.html?lang=en&amp;utm_campaign=10today&amp;flab_cell_id=2&amp;flab_experiment_id=19&amp;uid=153834883&amp;utm_content=article&amp;utm_source=email&amp;part=s1&amp;utm_medium=10today.0225&amp;position=8&amp;china_variant=False" href="http://www.details.com/blogs/daily-details/2015/02/foods-that-improve-memory.html?lang=en&amp;utm_campaign=10today&amp;flab_cell_id=2&amp;flab_experiment_id=19&amp;uid=153834883&amp;utm_content=article&amp;utm_source=email&amp;part=s1&amp;utm_medium=10today.0225&amp;position=8&amp;china_variant=False">Details</a> has the article - what I would give to take a daily memory pill, in the meantime I'm trying to get more salmon in my diet after reading the story; here's an excerpt: "...<em>Forgot what you're looking for? Bad with names? Writing down a lot of lists but then misplacing them? Like most people, you're experiencing some memory loss—and growing older doesn't help matters. Luckily, researchers all over the world are scouring the earth looking for ingredients that might organically improve human recall. Scan the menu of ingredients below and, if you make the right diet changes, you too could develop a <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.details.com/culture-trends/critical-eye/201004/memory-champ-ron-white" href="http://www.details.com/culture-trends/critical-eye/201004/memory-champ-ron-white" target="_blank">champion's memory</a></em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 324px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424923935_tech2.gif" height="213" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424923935_tech2.gif" width="324" /></div><strong>Fact-Checking Grandma</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://aeon.co/magazine/culture/should-you-fact-check-your-grandmas-facebook-posts/?utm_source=nextdraft&amp;utm_medium=email" href="http://aeon.co/magazine/culture/should-you-fact-check-your-grandmas-facebook-posts/?utm_source=nextdraft&amp;utm_medium=email">Aeon</a> reports that the Internet is rife with myths, scams, and hoaxes. Yep. When any claim can be checked out, why does fiction still trump fact? Here's an excerpt: "...<em>In 2012, Jonah Berger and Katherine Milkman, both at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, analysed 7,000 articles from The New York Times to assess what made stories go viral. What they discovered was that stories which elicited strong emotion – both positive and negative – were the ones that got shared most often. People believe the stories that they connect to, the ones that affirm their view of the world, truth be damned</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 288px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424815153_waterworries.jpg" height="119" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424815153_waterworries.jpg" width="288" /></div><strong>A Thirsty, Violent World</strong>. The author of the article at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/coming-water-wars?utm_source=nextdraft&amp;utm_medium=email" href="http://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/coming-water-wars?utm_source=nextdraft&amp;utm_medium=email">The New Yorker</a> argues that we can and will find substitutes for oil and natural gas - as resources become scare substitutes often take their place. Clean water? Not so much. Here's an excerpt: "...<em>Rapid climate change, population growth, and a growing demand for meat (and, thus, for the water required to grow feed for livestock) have propelled them into a state of emergency. Millions of words have been written, and scores of urgent meetings have been held, since I last wrote about this issue for the magazine, nearly a decade ago; in that time, <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2006/10/23/the-last-drop-2" href="http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2006/10/23/the-last-drop-2">things have only grown worse</a>. The various physical calamities that confront the world are hard to separate, but growing hunger and the struggle to find clean water for billions of people are clearly connected</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424904270_20.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424904270_20.jpg" style="height: 345px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Mapped: These Are The Quietest Spots in America</strong>. Northern Minnesota is looking pretty good in the quiet-category; here's an excerpt of a story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://qz.com/346437/mapped-these-are-the-quietest-spots-in-america/?lang=en&amp;utm_campaign=10today&amp;flab_cell_id=2&amp;flab_experiment_id=19&amp;uid=153834883&amp;utm_content=article&amp;utm_source=email&amp;part=s1&amp;utm_medium=10today.0225&amp;position=3&amp;china_variant=False" href="http://qz.com/346437/mapped-these-are-the-quietest-spots-in-america/?lang=en&amp;utm_campaign=10today&amp;flab_cell_id=2&amp;flab_experiment_id=19&amp;uid=153834883&amp;utm_content=article&amp;utm_source=email&amp;part=s1&amp;utm_medium=10today.0225&amp;position=3&amp;china_variant=False">Quartz</a>: "...<span class="anno-span"><em>Researchers used sound data collected from 546 sites around the US over the past 10 summers, then&nbsp;estimated the noise levels in the remaining areas&nbsp;based on factors like population density, roadway sizes, and&nbsp;proximity to airports, Fristrup tells Quartz</em>..."</span><br /><br /><span class="anno-span"><u>Map credit</u> above: "</span><em>The dark blue areas are the quietest, and the yellow to white are the loudest</em>.<span class="featured-image-credit">" (National Park Service, Natural Sounds &amp; Night Skies Division)</span>.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 296px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424904386_sl1.jpg" height="191" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424904386_sl1.jpg" width="296" /></div><strong>Urbanization and Smartphones are Killing Car Culture</strong>. Will our grandkids care as much about owning a car, or will we have better options, more mass transit, an Uber-mindset of rent vs. buy? Who knows, but <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.citylab.com/commute/2015/02/urbanization-and-smartphones-are-killing-car-culture/385093/" href="http://www.citylab.com/commute/2015/02/urbanization-and-smartphones-are-killing-car-culture/385093/">CityLab</a> takes a look at the trends: "<em>The Western world's century-old love affair with the automobile is coming to an end. People are driving less than they did before the recession, and there are fewer cars on the road. In the U.S., the number of vehicles per driver has fallen from a peak of 1.2 in 2007 to 1.15 today, according to data compiled by Schroders, an asset management firm. Young Americans are getting their drivers' licenses later than they did in 1983, or even in 2008.</em>.."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424901882_10.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424901882_10.jpg" style="height: 331px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>100" of Snow? No Problem for Boston Bikers.</strong> Even Old Man Winter can't stop cyclists in the Boston area, as described in an article at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bdcwire.com/how-a-group-of-local-shovelers-dug-a-40-foot-snow-tunnel-on-a-medford-bike-path/" href="http://www.bdcwire.com/how-a-group-of-local-shovelers-dug-a-40-foot-snow-tunnel-on-a-medford-bike-path/">BDCwire</a>; here's a clip: "<em>Along the Malden and Mystic Rivers sits the Wellington Greenway, a hiking and biking path that leads users from Boston’s inner harbor into Medford. It’s quite popular with commuters at the Wellington Station T stop on the Orange line. However, snow removal efforts by the MBTA blocked the path with a gigantic mountain of snow, rendering it all but accessible. That is, until a few local cyclists took matters into their own hands</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 426px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424904434_7day.jpg" height="221" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424904434_7day.jpg" width="426" /></div><br />TODAY: -20 wind chill early. Bright sun. Winds: NW 10-15. High: 8<br />THURSDAY NIGHT: Clear and plenty cold. Low: -6<br />FRIDAY: Blue sky, less wind. Still nippy. High: 18<br /><strong>SATURDAY</strong>: Breezy, coating of snow at night? Wake-up: 3. High: 23<br /><strong>SUNDAY</strong>: More clouds than sun, colder. Wake-up: 15. High: 27<br />MONDAY: Partly sunny, no travel headaches. Wake-up: 13. High: near 30<br />TUESDAY: Chance of light snow. No big deal. Wake-up: 18. High: 28<br />WEDNESDAY: Cloudy and cool. Still cooler than average. Wake-up: 16. High: 26<br /><br /><hr /><strong>Climate Stories...</strong><br /><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 312px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424904534_drought88StarTribune.jpg" height="185" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424904534_drought88StarTribune.jpg" width="312" /></div><strong>Climate Change Will Hit America in the Breadbasket.</strong> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.nbcnews.com/science/environment/climate-change-will-hit-america-breadbasket-scientists-say-n312091" href="http://www.nbcnews.com/science/environment/climate-change-will-hit-america-breadbasket-scientists-say-n312091">NBC News</a> has the story - here's an excerpt: "...<em>Theoretically, reduced production along the southern edge of the country's grain-producing regions should be offset by <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-04-15/canada-s-climate-warms-to-corn-as-grain-belt-shifts-north" href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-04-15/canada-s-climate-warms-to-corn-as-grain-belt-shifts-north">increased production along the northern edge</a>. The Corn Belt (and Soybean Belt) is <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.agprofessional.com/news/Farmers-will-need-to-adapt-as-Corn-Belt-shifts-north-174242311.html" href="http://www.agprofessional.com/news/Farmers-will-need-to-adapt-as-Corn-Belt-shifts-north-174242311.html">already pushing up past the Canadian border</a>, and Canada's wheat-producing zone is creeping farther north. But in reality, the shift is still likely to produce a net loss in crop production, said Jerry Hatfield, director of the USDA-ARS National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment.</em>.." (File photo: Star Tribune).<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 283px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424904593_oceanNOAA1.jpg" height="211" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424904593_oceanNOAA1.jpg" width="283" /></div><strong>Sea Levels in Northeast Jumped 5 Inches In Just 2 Years, Study Says</strong>. Some of this is sea level rise, some is land subsidence, but the net effect is clear; higher water levels are making coastal storms even more damaging, especially when you superimpose a storm surge and surface waves on top of the rising Atlantic. Here's an excerpt from a story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://mashable.com/2015/02/24/sea-level-rise-spike-northeast/" href="http://mashable.com/2015/02/24/sea-level-rise-spike-northeast/">Mashable</a>: "<em>Sea levels in northeastern North America jumped by more than five inches in a two-year period between 2009 to 2010, a rate unprecedented in the history of tide gauge records, a new study found. The <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.nature.com/ncomms/2015/150224/ncomms7346/full/ncomms7346.html" href="http://www.nature.com/ncomms/2015/150224/ncomms7346/full/ncomms7346.html" target="_blank">study</a>, published Tuesday in the journal Nature Communications, found that the temporary acceleration in long-term sea level rise resulted in coastal flooding and beach erosion along the Northeast coast from New York northward to Atlantic Canada</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 420px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424875582_1.jpg" height="152" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424875582_1.jpg" width="420" /></div><strong>Sea Spike Details</strong>. Here's an excerpt from the new research referenced above via <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.nature.com/ncomms/2015/150224/ncomms7346/full/ncomms7346.html" href="http://www.nature.com/ncomms/2015/150224/ncomms7346/full/ncomms7346.html">Nature Communications</a>: "...<em>The analysis of long-term tide gauge records identified an extreme sea-level rise (SLR) event during 2009–10. Within this 2-year period, the coastal sea level north of New York City jumped by 128 mm. This magnitude of interannual SLR is unprecedented (a 1-in-850 year event) during the entire history of the tide gauge records</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 301px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424904685_extremeweatherLinkedIn.jpg" height="181" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424904685_extremeweatherLinkedIn.jpg" width="301" /></div><strong>Democrats Target Climate-Deniers-For-Hire</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.newrepublic.com/article/121131/democrats-demand-fossil-fuel-disclosure-climate-denier-studies" href="http://www.newrepublic.com/article/121131/democrats-demand-fossil-fuel-disclosure-climate-denier-studies">New Republic</a> has the details; here's an excerpt that caught my eye: "...<em>The goal of the investigation is to "establish the impartiality of climate research and policy recommendations," writes Grijalva. "Companies with a direct financial interest in climate and air quality standards are funding environmental research that influences state and federal regulations and shapes public understanding of climate science. These conflicts should be clear to stakeholders, including policymakers who use scientific information to make decisions.</em>.."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 157px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424876934_2.jpg" height="209" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424876934_2.jpg" width="157" /></div><strong>The Remote Alaskan Village That Needs To Be Relocated Due To Climate Change</strong>. A preview of coming attractions from Louisiana to south Florida and Virginia? Here's a snippet from a <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/02/24/the-remote-alaskan-village-that-needs-to-be-relocated-due-to-climate-change/" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/02/24/the-remote-alaskan-village-that-needs-to-be-relocated-due-to-climate-change/">Washington Post story</a>: "..<em>The question now<strong>&nbsp;</strong>facing the town, the state of Alaska, and the nation is whether to<strong>&nbsp;</strong>move the people of Kivalina&nbsp;to a safer location&nbsp;nearby, either inland or further down the coast&nbsp;— and who would pay&nbsp;<a data-cke-saved-href="http://web.law.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/microsites/climate-change/files/Arctic-Resources/Relocation-Plans/USACE%20relocation%20plan%20Kivalina%20exec%20sum.pdf" href="http://web.law.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/microsites/climate-change/files/Arctic-Resources/Relocation-Plans/USACE%20relocation%20plan%20Kivalina%20exec%20sum.pdf">upwards of a hundred million dollars</a>&nbsp;to do it. It’s a question already facing&nbsp;Kivalina&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09551.pdf" href="http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09551.pdf">handful of other native Alaskan villages</a>, and in the coming decades could apply&nbsp;to numerous&nbsp;other towns along U.S. coastlines</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424877413_3.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424877413_3.jpg" style="height: 253px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Relocation Costs</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://web.law.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/microsites/climate-change/files/Arctic-Resources/Relocation-Plans/USACE%20relocation%20plan%20Kivalina%20exec%20sum.pdf" href="http://web.law.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/microsites/climate-change/files/Arctic-Resources/Relocation-Plans/USACE%20relocation%20plan%20Kivalina%20exec%20sum.pdf">The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers</a> takes a look at how much it might cost U.S. taxpayers to move an entire town along the coast of Alaska.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 254px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424904715_extremeweather.jpg" height="202" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424904715_extremeweather.jpg" width="254" /></div><strong>With Climate Change U.S. Presidents Matter.</strong> St. Thomas climate scientist John Abraham has the story for <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2015/feb/25/with-climate-change-us-presidents-matter" href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2015/feb/25/with-climate-change-us-presidents-matter">The Guardian</a>; here's a clip that caught my eye: "...<em>Vetoing this pipeline, which would increase the rate of extraction of the world’s dirtiest fuels (bitumen and the byproduct petroleum coke), was a no-brainer for anyone concerned about climate change. In fact, it is not possible to be in favor of the Keystone pipeline if you accept the science of climate change. The reason this story is so big isn’t just about carbon dioxide emissions (although that matters). It is more about the strong stand taken by the President against a well-funded campaign to force the pipeline through. It is also important because of the signal it sends to those intent on long term dirty-fuels extraction</em>..."<br /><hr /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424904802_drought (2).jpg" height="167" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424904802_drought%20%282%29.jpg" width="332" /><br /><strong>Lester Brown: "Vast Dust Bowls Threaten Tens of Millions With Hunger"</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/feb/25/lester-brown-vast-dust-bowls-threaten-tens-of-millions-with-hunger" href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/feb/25/lester-brown-vast-dust-bowls-threaten-tens-of-millions-with-hunger">The Guardian</a> has details; here's a clip: "...<em>Vast tracts of Africa and of China are turning into dust bowls on a scale that dwarfs the one that devastated the US in the 1930s, one of the world’s pre-eminent environmental thinkers has warned. Over 50 years, the writer Lester Brown has gained a reputation for anticipating global trends. Now as Brown, 80, enters retirement, he fears the world may be on the verge of a greater hunger than he has ever seen in his professional lifetime. For the first time, he said tens of millions of poor people in countries like Nigeria, India, Pakistan and Peru could afford to eat only five days a week</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 498px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424876590_npr.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424876590_npr.jpg" style="height: 32px; width: 498px;" /></div><strong>My Depressing Day With A Famous Climate Skeptic.</strong> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/13.7/2015/02/24/388682684/my-depressing-day-with-a-famous-climate-skeptic" href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/13.7/2015/02/24/388682684/my-depressing-day-with-a-famous-climate-skeptic">NPR reports</a>, here's an excerpt: "...<em>I came away from my meeting with this famous climate skeptic feeling pretty depressed. What I had seen was a scientist whose work, in my opinion, was simply not very good. That, on its own, is no big deal. There are lots of scientists whose work is not very good — and some people may even think my science should be included in that list. But Soon's little string of papers were being heralded in the highest courts of public opinion as a significant blow to everyone else's understanding of Earth's climate. From TV studios to the halls of Congress, we were being told his was world-shaking research of the highest caliber, and that we had to take notice..."</em><br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 368px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424902390_11.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424902390_11.jpg" style="height: 73px; width: 368px;" /></div><strong>Investors, Science Group Pressure Oil Companies to Disclose Climate Climate Risks</strong>. Here's an excerpt from the UCS, <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/investment-groups-oil-companies-climate-risk-0471#.VO3_X-GLi4p" href="http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/investment-groups-oil-companies-climate-risk-0471#.VO3_X-GLi4p">the Union of Concerned Scientists</a>: "<em>Five major oil and gas companies aren’t doing enough to disclose risks from climate change to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including sea level rise and storm surge, according to a <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.ucsusa.org/risingrisks" href="http://www.ucsusa.org/risingrisks">new report</a> from the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). Several investment groups, including Calvert Investments Management, joined UCS and Ceres today in sending letters to the five companies—Chevron, Exxon Mobil, Marathon Petroleum, Phillips 66, and Valero—expressing concern about these risks. Calvert has also <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.ceres.org/investor-network/resolutions/phillips-66-physical-climate-impacts-2015" href="http://www.ceres.org/investor-network/resolutions/phillips-66-physical-climate-impacts-2015">filed a shareholder resolution</a> with Phillips 66 urging the company to disclose climate risks</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 250px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424904850_globalweirding.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424904850_globalweirding.jpg" style="height: 153px; width: 250px;" /></div><strong>Can Only Republicans Help Republicans on Climate Change?</strong> Here's a snippet of an Op-Ed at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/wp/2015/02/25/can-only-republicans-help-republicans-on-climate-change/" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/wp/2015/02/25/can-only-republicans-help-republicans-on-climate-change/">The Washington Post</a>: "...<em>A more useful option than simply doing more research is for Republican politicians who know better to start behaving more responsibly. Opposing even the simplest, most market-oriented climate policies has to stop being a signifier&nbsp;of conservative tribal allegiance. But it will be very tough for those outside the GOP tribe — independent scientists, climate activists, Democrats — to fight the cultural politics that have made the climate debate intractable. Their efforts might even deepen the divide</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424794788_7.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424794788_7.jpg" style="height: 334px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Burst of Warming May End Lull in Rising Temperatures</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn27012-burst-of-warming-may-end-lull-in-rising-temperatures.html#.VOyJ7y6Lj9p" href="http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn27012-burst-of-warming-may-end-lull-in-rising-temperatures.html#.VOyJ7y6Lj9p">New Scientist</a> has the article - here's an excerpt: "...<em>Global mean surface temperatures have not risen significantly since about 1998, which could be thanks to the oceans sucking up the extra heat. If this turns out to be the case, <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/people/chris-roberts" href="http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/people/chris-roberts">Chris Roberts</a> from the Met Office in the UK and colleagues have found that there is a 60 per cent chance the hiatus will be followed by a five-year period of rapid warming at twice the usual background rate of around 0.2<sup>°</sup>C per decade. The models also suggest there is a 15 per cent chance the hiatus will continue for five more years</em>..."Paul Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119711149976645625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575361857149684460.post-64541123311590654962015-02-24T21:45:00.000-06:002015-02-24T21:45:05.008-06:00Winter Drags - Extended March Thaw In Sight<strong>32 F</strong>. high on Tuesday in the Twin Cities.<br /><strong>32 F</strong>. average high on February 24.<br />14 F. high on February 24, 2014.<br /><br /><strong>1"</strong> snow on the ground.<br /><strong>4.7"</strong> snow so far in February.<br /><strong>17.5" </strong>fell on the metro area as of February 24, 2014.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #660000;">February 24, 1934</span></b>: Late season cold snap with a low of -46 at Big Falls.<br /><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424812818_20.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424812818_20.jpg" style="height: 211px; width: 630px;" /></div><br /><strong>Oddly Incomplete</strong><br /><br />"It's too cold to work in the garage" my wife complained the other day. "When is it going to get warmer?" May, I answered. "Seriously?"<br /><br />I do see an abrupt shift in the upper level pattern the second week of March. A massive ridge of high pressure builds over the Plains, treating us to 30s, maybe a few 40s.<br /><br />"Huh?"<br /><br />Cue Minnesota's legions of incredulous snow lovers. "What happened to winter?" It seems very odd to be getting the cold without the snow. It's a little like Adam without Eve, Minneapolis without St. Paul, The Suburbs without Chan Poling. Just. Not. Right.<br /><br />I'll get complaints from stressed commuters, grateful for fewer mornings of skating-rink-conditions, but a total lack of snow on the ground in late February, like there is now south &amp; west of the Minnesota River, is a bit surreal, and doesn't fill me with hope we'll experience a drought-free 2015.<br /><br />Our nagging snow recession lingers into at least mid-March; a few bursts of snow from assorted clippers, but nothing that will show up on The Weather Channel. The next 36 hours will be character-building, but 30s return by early next week, before the next Canadian relapse.<br /><br />Storm-free. Weakening cold waves. Winter may end with a fizzle. Hold on. Better days ahead. In the words of Dan Rather...courage.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424795650_polarvortexNOAA.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424795650_polarvortexNOAA.jpg" style="height: 452px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>What Is The "Polar Vortex" Anyway?</strong> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.crh.noaa.gov/news/display_cmsstory.php?wfo=mpx&amp;storyid=104192&amp;source=0" href="http://www.crh.noaa.gov/news/display_cmsstory.php?wfo=mpx&amp;storyid=104192&amp;source=0">NOAA</a> does a very good job explaining a term that's been around for a long time, one that got hijacked by popular media last winter. And no, this winter is <u>not</u> Exhibit A of the Polar Vortex. Here's a clip: "...<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>The jet stream snakes around the globe like a ring on the southernmost periphery of the circulation.&nbsp; The shape of the polar vortex drives the evolution of the jet stream and subsequently the areas of low pressure that bring us our weather.&nbsp; The larger and more intense the polar vortex is, the further south the jet stream sets up which is why the polar jet pushes south during the winter.&nbsp; It is NOT the result of climate change whatsoever, although climate change may influence its behavior.&nbsp; The polar vortex has been around since the Earth had an atmosphere</em>."</span><br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424832453_animationM.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424832453_animationM.gif" style="height: 405px; width: 630px;" /></div><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><strong>Clipped Again</strong>. A plowable snowfall is likely from South Dakota into far southwest Minnesota and Iowa. We can't even get a healthy snowfall from an Alberta Clipper this winter. 60-hour accumulated snow: NOAA NAM and Ham Weather.</div><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><hr /></div><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424832828_animationUSA.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424832828_animationUSA.gif" style="height: 402px; width: 630px;" /></div><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><strong>Ski Arkansas</strong>. Cold air has penetrated unusually far south (for late February) setting the stage for another snow and ice event from Dallas to Huntsville, north Georgia, the Carolinas and Tidewater of Virginia, where plowable snowfall amounts are possible.</div><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><hr /></div><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424833691_spark.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424833691_spark.jpg" style="height: 271px; width: 630px;" /></div><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><strong>Hints of Relative Warmth</strong>. Kind of sad (and pathetically wondrous) how good low 30s feel in late February after a few cold weeks. Yesterday, if you squinted just right, you could make out the vague form of spring-to-come, but that illusion evaporates today and tomorrow as another surge of cold air arrives. Not as cold as a few days ago but numb enough. A thaw arrives the first half of next week; you'll be shocked to hear that no significant snow, ice or rain is in sight.</div><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><hr /></div><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424835498_animationT.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424835498_animationT.gif" style="height: 429px; width: 630px;" /></div><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><strong>F-F-F-February</strong>. With a February like this who needs January? The consistent chill is supressing the main storm track well south of Minnesota, meaning fewer icy commutes, but a sense of general malaise for snow lovers ("ripped off again this winter"). It won't be as cold as last week, but the next 36 hours will be a blunt reminder that meteorological spring doesn't start until Sunday, March 1. 2-meter NAM temperatures: NOAA and Ham Weather.</div><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><hr /></div><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424833709_jet1.jpg" height="425" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424833709_jet1.jpg" width="527" /></div><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><strong>Phase Shift.</strong> 500 mb winds valid Tuesday evening, March 10, carve out a big ridge over the central USA and Canada, allowing milder Pacific air to surge inland, meaning 30s, even a few 40s close to home (especially southwest Minnesota, where there's little snow on the ground as of Tuesday night). It should start to look and feel like March within 2 weeks; vague hints of a muddy spring to come. Source: GrADS:COLA/IGES.</div><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><hr /></div><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424833731_gfs.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424833731_gfs.jpg" style="height: 297px; width: 630px;" /></div><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><strong>Not Quite "Circle Me Bert!" </strong>Please square me with red, Paul. Restore my confidence in March while you're at it. Temperatures cool down again late next week before recovering into the 30s to near 40 the second week of March, based on GFS guidance.</div><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 150px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 150px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 150px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 150px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 150px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 150px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 150px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 150px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 150px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 150px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 150px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 150px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 150px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 150px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 150px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 150px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424800423_Sirens.gif" height="187" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424800423_Sirens.gif" width="150" /> </span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><strong>Dakota County Will Sound Sirens Less Often</strong>. A step in the right direction? Here's an excerpt from <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.startribune.com/local/south/293772101.html" href="http://www.startribune.com/local/south/293772101.html">The Star Tribune</a>: "<em>In an effort to combat “siren fatigue,” Dakota County is likely to sound its weather sirens less often. Outdoor sirens typically have been activated during tornado warnings and any severe thunderstorm warnings, which meant the sirens were used 96 times from 2010 to 2014. But under a new policy recommended by the National Weather Service, the county’s sirens will be activated only during tornado warnings and for storms where wind speed is expected to hit 70 miles per hour or more</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 198px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424813822_10.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424813822_10.jpg" style="height: 121px; width: 198px;" /></div><strong>Minnesota's Biggest Polluters Spending Over $10 Million to Pollute Politics</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.environmentminnesota.org/news/mne/minnesota%E2%80%99s-biggest-polluters-spending-over-10-million-pollute-politics" href="http://www.environmentminnesota.org/news/mne/minnesota%E2%80%99s-biggest-polluters-spending-over-10-million-pollute-politics">Environment Minnesota</a> has the press release, here's an excerpt that caught my eye: "...<em>Right now, polluters are lobbying their allies on Capitol Hill to derail EPA’s plan to restore Clean Water Act protections to 47,000 miles of streams in Minnesota. Loopholes in the law currently leave the waterways that feed the drinking water for 970,000 at risk. “When powerful special interests spend millions to influence our elections and lobby decisionmakers, they drown out the voices of everyday Americans.” said Minneapolis City Council Member Cam Gordon. “To make sure we’re able to protect our environment and our health, we need reforms to stop the flow of big money into politics.</em>...”<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 203px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424813924_11.jpg" height="264" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424813924_11.jpg" width="203" /></div><strong>Polluting Politics</strong>. The complete 21 page (PDF) report from Environment Minnesota is <a data-cke-saved-href="http://environmentminnesota.org/sites/environment/files/reports/Polluting%20Politics%20MN%20FINAL%202.pdf" href="http://environmentminnesota.org/sites/environment/files/reports/Polluting%20Politics%20MN%20FINAL%202.pdf">here</a>.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 392px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424795160_droughtCA.jpg" height="227" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424795160_droughtCA.jpg" width="392" /></div><strong>Is Drought The New Normal for Southern California?</strong> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-climate-drought-california-20150223-story.html" href="http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-climate-drought-california-20150223-story.html">The Los Angeles Times</a> has a harrowing story about trends in The Southland. Let's hope those climate models are wrong, but recent history would suggest that Californians should continue to pay attention. Here's a snippet: "...<em>Increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is altering Earth's most important atmospheric weather cell, drawing more moisture into the deep tropics and broadening areas of drought at higher latitudes, according to a new study. The U.S. west, including Southern California, as well as swaths of subtropical Brazil that are suffering from acute drought lie in the heart of the decreased rainfall band shown in 33 climate scenarios run over a 140-year span, according to the study published online Monday in the journal&nbsp;</em><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1418682112" href="http://www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1418682112"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em>..."</a><br /><br /><u>Photo credit</u> above: "<em>In this Feb. 4 2014 file photo, a warning buoy sits on the dry, cracked bed of Lake Mendocino near Ukiah, Calif. As bad as the drought in California and the Southwest was last year and in the Midwest a couple years ago, scientists say far worse historic decades-long dry spells are coming. “Unprecedented drought conditions” - the worst in more than 1,000 years - are likely to come to the Southwest and Central Plains near the end of this century and stick around because of global warming, according to a new study in the journal Science Thursday</em>." (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424790513_2.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424790513_2.jpg" style="height: 100px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Paper Details</strong>. The new paper referenced by the L.A. Times above is available from <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2015/02/17/1418682112" href="http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2015/02/17/1418682112">pnas.org</a>.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 277px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424815099_boston2.jpg" height="206" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424815099_boston2.jpg" width="277" /></div><strong>Don't Weather-Shame Washington D.C</strong>. Here's an excerpt of an interesting story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/susan-milligan/2015/02/18/dont-snow-shame-washington-talk-about-climate-change-instead" href="http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/susan-milligan/2015/02/18/dont-snow-shame-washington-talk-about-climate-change-instead">U.S. News and World Report</a>: "...<em>This isn’t a battle of toughness. This is a loudly clanging warning about climate change. The world is indeed getting warmer – <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-30852588" href="http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-30852588">2014 was the warmest year</a> in modern history – and severe weather patterns are a consequence of that. No, we can’t blame any of Boston’s snowstorms, individually, on climate change, any more than a heart attack victim can attribute the event to the double cheeseburger eaten the previous day. This is about long-term, sustained changes in climate and weather. The number of severe, regional snowstorms since 1960 is more than double that of the previous 60 years, according to <a data-cke-saved-href="http://nldr.library.ucar.edu/repository/assets/osgc/OSGC-000-000-018-854.pdf" href="http://nldr.library.ucar.edu/repository/assets/osgc/OSGC-000-000-018-854.pdf">a report</a> in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. Where will it be in 60 more years?</em>..." (File photo: AP).<br /><br />* The research paper referenced above is <a data-cke-saved-href="http://nldr.library.ucar.edu/repository/assets/osgc/OSGC-000-000-018-854.pdf" href="http://nldr.library.ucar.edu/repository/assets/osgc/OSGC-000-000-018-854.pdf">here</a>, courtesy of UCAR.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 400px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424729936_lightningcity.jpg" height="184" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424729936_lightningcity.jpg" width="400" /></div><strong>Cities Spark More Thunderstorms Than Rural Areas</strong>. It's something I've noticed for decades now, dust and particulant pollution can "seed" clouds and spark more showers and thunderstorms downwind over the suburbs. Here's an excerpt from an interesting story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://news.discovery.com/earth/weather-extreme-events/cities-spark-more-thunderstorms-than-rural-areas-150221.htm" href="http://news.discovery.com/earth/weather-extreme-events/cities-spark-more-thunderstorms-than-rural-areas-150221.htm">Discovery News</a>: "...<em>Some big cities, particularly those located in hot and humid environments, actually spawn more thunderstorms than surrounding rural areas. That’s the conclusion of a new&nbsp;<a data-cke-saved-href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/qj.2499/full" href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/qj.2499/full">study</a>&nbsp;by Northern Illinois University researchers, which was published in&nbsp;Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society. The scientists found thunderstorm “births” were significantly higher on weekdays compared with weekend days, suggesting that increased pollution levels related to industry and commuting may play a role.</em>.."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 456px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424729840_extremeweatherNASA.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424729840_extremeweatherNASA.jpg" style="height: 271px; width: 456px;" /></div><strong>Better Prepared? What Meteorologists Learned From Hurricane Sandy.</strong> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/15/02/23/preparing-for-the-next-superstorm-what-meteorologists-learned-from-hurricane-sandy/" href="http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/15/02/23/preparing-for-the-next-superstorm-what-meteorologists-learned-from-hurricane-sandy/">NJ Spotlight</a> has a story focused on lessons learned; here's an outtake: "...<em>As the largest hurricane on record when it made landfall two years ago, Sandy presented a variety of challenges for forecasters and emergency management officials. Some have since been addressed, but many others remain. Communication problems meant that residents didn’t understand the true nature of the threat or how it would affect them; warnings were misinterpreted; and people failed to take them seriously. Above all, there was a pervasive mistrust of the predictions, with many people falsely believing that the storm couldn’t be as bad as forecasts suggested, since they had never experienced anything of that magnitude</em>..." (File image above: NASA).<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 288px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424815153_waterworries.jpg" height="119" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424815153_waterworries.jpg" width="288" /></div><strong>A Thirsty, Violent World</strong>. The author of the article at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/coming-water-wars?utm_source=nextdraft&amp;utm_medium=email" href="http://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/coming-water-wars?utm_source=nextdraft&amp;utm_medium=email">The New Yorker</a> argues that we can and will find substitutes for oil and natural gas - as resources become scare substitutes often take their place. Clean water? Not so much. Here's an excerpt: "...<em>Rapid climate change, population growth, and a growing demand for meat (and, thus, for the water required to grow feed for livestock) have propelled them into a state of emergency. Millions of words have been written, and scores of urgent meetings have been held, since I last wrote about this issue for the magazine, nearly a decade ago; in that time, <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2006/10/23/the-last-drop-2" href="http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2006/10/23/the-last-drop-2">things have only grown worse</a>. The various physical calamities that confront the world are hard to separate, but growing hunger and the struggle to find clean water for billions of people are clearly connected</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 549px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424814284_21.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424814284_21.jpg" style="height: 306px; width: 549px;" /></div><strong>An Illustrated Guide to Ben Lecompte's Nightmares</strong>. And here I thought the mile swim was a big deal in the Boy Scouts. How about swimming from Japan to California? <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/water-activities/swimming/An-Illustrated-Guide-to-Ben-Lecomtes-Nightmares.html?utm_source=nextdraft&amp;utm_medium=email" href="http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/water-activities/swimming/An-Illustrated-Guide-to-Ben-Lecomtes-Nightmares.html?utm_source=nextdraft&amp;utm_medium=email">Outside Magazine</a> has the jaw-dropping details; here's an excerpt: "<em>This spring, 47-year-old Frenchman Ben Lecomte will step into the Pacific Ocean in Japan and, over the next five months, attempt to become the first swimmer to cover the 5,500 miles to California. His plan: swim eight hours a day—using flippers and a snorkel but no flotation device—then rest for 16 hours on his support boat. We’d doubt his prospects if he hadn’t become the first person to swim 3,700 miles across the Atlantic in 1998</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424812506_2eea56d56fbd9c89a419822b771b8120_original.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424812506_2eea56d56fbd9c89a419822b771b8120_original.gif" style="height: 355px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>"Raht Racer" on Kickstarter</strong>. I know Rich Kronfeld, who is raising money via <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1255345767/raht-racer-worlds-first-highway-speed-bike?ref=nav_search" href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1255345767/raht-racer-worlds-first-highway-speed-bike?ref=nav_search">Kickstarter</a> to build and distribute his Raht Racer. It's a cool concept and I wish him well as he tries to make this go mainstream. Here's a quick overview: "<em>The RAHT RACER™ is a power biking vehicle that uses state of the art pedal-electric hybrid technology to amplify pedal power, enabling the rider’s legs to propel the vehicle up to highway speeds, giving the rider the feeling of super strength. &nbsp;On a bicycle, your pedals are the accelerator. &nbsp;Same with the Raht Racer, only multiplied a hundred times! The result is a breathtaking new, Iron Man-like, power-sport experience.&nbsp; Safer than a motorcycle, or bicycle on a busy street, the Raht has an integrated roll cage, reinforced carbon fiber body and automotive safety features like headlights, tail lights, seat belts &amp; air bag. What you see here is our first prototype. Its top speed is roughly 70 mph. Our goal is to begin development of our actual production model this year. It will have a top speed of about 100 mph</em>..." Kronfeld writes: "<em>We're also a finalist in the Clean Energy Trust Challenge and we'll be on the Science Channel tomorrow night on "All American Makers</em>."<br /><br /><a data-cke-saved-href="http://challenge.cleanenergytrust.org/#!/finalists" href="http://challenge.cleanenergytrust.org/#%21/finalists" target="_blank">http://challenge.cleanenergytrust.org/#!/finalists</a><br /><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.sciencechannel.com/tv-shows/all-american-makers/" href="http://www.sciencechannel.com/tv-shows/all-american-makers/">http://www.sciencechannel.com/tv-shows/all-american-makers/</a><br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 285px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424794722_6.jpg" height="192" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424794722_6.jpg" width="285" /></div><strong>How Long Can We Stay Awake?</strong> 92 days on the toilet? I've never seen that in print, and I can't say I'm a fan. I posted a link to this <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20150220-how-long-can-we-stay-awake?ncid=newsltushpmg00000003" href="http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20150220-how-long-can-we-stay-awake?ncid=newsltushpmg00000003">BBC article</a> just for the mind-boggling statistics: "...<em>It’s surprising how we spend our lives. Reach your 78th birthday and <a data-cke-saved-href="http://news.distractify.com/jake-heppner/astounding-facts-about-how-we-actually-spend-our-time/" href="http://news.distractify.com/jake-heppner/astounding-facts-about-how-we-actually-spend-our-time/">according to some back-of-the-envelope calculations</a>, you will have spent nine of those years watching television, four years driving a car, 92 days on the toilet, and 48 days having sex. But when it comes to time-consuming activities, there’s one that sits head and shoulders above them all. Live to 78, and you may have spent around 25 years asleep. In </em><em>an effort to claw back some of that time it’s reasonable to ask: how long can we stay awake – and what are the consequences of going without sleep?</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 412px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424833765_Tesla1.jpg" height="305" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424833765_Tesla1.jpg" width="412" /></div><br />TODAY: Mostly cloudy, colder. Wind chill: 0. Winds: N 10. High: 14<br />WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Clear and nippy. Low: -3<br />THURSDAY: More sun, less warmth. Wind chill: -15. High: 10<br />FRIDAY: Blue sky, still chilly. Wake-up: -4. High: 15<br /><strong>SATURDAY</strong>: Breezy, a bit milder by afternoon. Wake-up: 4. High: 23<br /><strong>SUNDAY</strong>: Early flakes, then clearing. Wake-up: 13. High: 29<br />MONDAY: Mix of clouds and sun, quiet. Wake-up: 16. High: 32<br />TUESDAY: Mostly gray, almost average. Wake-up: 22. High: 31<br /><br /><hr /><strong>Climate Stories...</strong><br /><br /><strong>Obama Vetoes Keystone XL Pipeline Bill. </strong>The New York Times has details <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/25/us/politics/as-expected-obama-vetoes-keystone-xl-pipeline-bill.html?emc=edit_tnt_20150224&amp;nlid=6274831&amp;tntemail0=y&amp;_r=0" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/25/us/politics/as-expected-obama-vetoes-keystone-xl-pipeline-bill.html?emc=edit_tnt_20150224&amp;nlid=6274831&amp;tntemail0=y&amp;_r=0">here</a>.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424794788_7.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424794788_7.jpg" style="height: 334px; width: 630px;" /></div><div class="infuse"><strong>Burst of Warming May End Lull in Rising Temperatures</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn27012-burst-of-warming-may-end-lull-in-rising-temperatures.html#.VOyJ7y6Lj9p" href="http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn27012-burst-of-warming-may-end-lull-in-rising-temperatures.html#.VOyJ7y6Lj9p">New Scientist</a> has the article - here's an excerpt: "...<em>Global mean surface temperatures have not risen significantly since about 1998, which could be thanks to the oceans sucking up the extra heat. If this turns out to be the case, <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/people/chris-roberts" href="http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/people/chris-roberts">Chris Roberts</a> from the Met Office in the UK and colleagues have found that there is a 60 per cent chance the hiatus will be followed by a five-year period of rapid warming at twice the usual background rate of around 0.2<sup>°</sup>C per decade. The models also suggest there is a 15 per cent chance the hiatus will continue for five more years</em>..."</div><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 274px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424813077_earth-in-oil-fossil-fuels.jpg" height="205" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424813077_earth-in-oil-fossil-fuels.jpg" width="274" /></div><strong>Armageddon For Climate Change Deniers?</strong> Not sure about Armageddon, but it confirmed the obvious. Here's a clip from <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/02/23/armageddon-for-climate-change-deniers.html" href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/02/23/armageddon-for-climate-change-deniers.html">The Daily Beast</a>: "...<em>For decades, the fossil-fuel industry has been underwriting a huge, successful <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/10/17/the-vast-right-wing-conspiracy-to-lie-about-climate-change-has-worked.html" href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/10/17/the-vast-right-wing-conspiracy-to-lie-about-climate-change-has-worked.html">campaign to lie about climate change</a>. Like the tobacco industry before it, energy companies have created a body of pseudoscience, created by paid lackeys, and successfully co-opted the mainstream of the Republican Party to their “point of view.” This week, that campaign took a serious body blow, as one of its leading pseudo-scientific voices was exposed as a liar and a fraud, having <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/22/us/ties-to-corporate-cash-for-climate-change-researcher-Wei-Hock-Soon.html" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/22/us/ties-to-corporate-cash-for-climate-change-researcher-Wei-Hock-Soon.html" target="_blank">accepted millions of corporate dollars</a> to pose as a climate-change skeptic</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424800363_9.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424800363_9.jpg" style="height: 125px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Editorial: Climate Change is Real, Congress Isn't</strong>. Amen. Here's an excerpt of an Op-Ed at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.dailyastorian.com/editorials/20150224/editorial-climate-change-is-real-congress-isnt" href="http://www.dailyastorian.com/editorials/20150224/editorial-climate-change-is-real-congress-isnt">The Daily Astorian</a>: "...<em>The politicization of just about everything is a benefit to campaign fundraisers and ideological media, but it only yields stalemate. No business would tolerate that approach. In fact, many large corporations have long recognized the dimensions of climate change. The Weyerhaeuser Co. has a climate change strategy. And despite Congress’ standoff, the CIA and the Department of Agriculture long ago admitted this was coming. In raising the alarm about climate change, this high profile group of business people is at odds with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as well as the fossil fuel industry</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 457px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424790034_1.jpg" height="388" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424790034_1.jpg" width="457" /></div><strong>Here's Where Ocean Acidification Will Hit The U.S. Hardest. </strong><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/ocean-acidification-in-us-18693" href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/ocean-acidification-in-us-18693">Climate Central</a> has the story - here's an excerpt: "...<em><span id="docs-internal-guid-f2ce1397-b71c-0391-bf98-c22b87652f84">But the new study published in </span><a data-cke-saved-href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nclimate2508" href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nclimate2508">Nature Climate Change</a> on Monday makes it clear that while ocean acidification may make conditions tougher on shellfish, how much coastal communities rely on those shellfish and how ready they are to deal with changes makes a big difference in how ocean acidification plays out on land. With more than <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/Assets/commercial/fus/fus13/02_commercial2013.pdf" href="https://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/Assets/commercial/fus/fus13/02_commercial2013.pdf">$1 billion in revenue</a> to U.S. coastal communities from mollusks, which the study focuses on, just how prepared those communities are could have huge financial ramifications</em>..."<br /><br />* The new research on ocean acidification referenced above is available at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.nature.com/nclimate/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nclimate2508.html" href="http://www.nature.com/nclimate/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nclimate2508.html">Nature Climate Change</a>.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 390px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424794953_8.jpg" height="284" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424794953_8.jpg" width="390" /></div><strong>Are Siberia's Mysterious Craters Caused By Climate Change?</strong> <strong>Scientists Find Four Enormous New Holes in Russia.</strong> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2965385/Are-Siberia-s-mysterious-craters-caused-climate-change-Scientists-four-new-enormous-holes-northern-Russia.html" href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2965385/Are-Siberia-s-mysterious-craters-caused-climate-change-Scientists-four-new-enormous-holes-northern-Russia.html">The Daily Mail</a> takes a look at a rather odd phenomena popping up across Siberia - is there a provable link to a warming climate and thawing permafrost? Here's an excerpt: "...<em>Four new mysterous giant craters have appeared in the Siberian permafrost in northern Russia, sparking fears that global warming may be causing gas to erupt from underground. Scientists spotted the new holes, along with doszens of smaller ones, int he same area as three other enormous craters that were spotted on the Yamal Peninsulat. The craters are thought to be caused by eruptions of methane gas from the permafrost as rising temperatures causes the frozen soil to melt.</em>.." (Photo credit: <a data-cke-saved-href="http://siberiantimes.com/science/casestudy/news/foreign-scientists-welcome-to-join-research-into-siberias-mysterious-giant-holes/" href="http://siberiantimes.com/science/casestudy/news/foreign-scientists-welcome-to-join-research-into-siberias-mysterious-giant-holes/">siberiantimes.com</a>).<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 258px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424794297_4.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424794297_4.jpg" style="height: 157px; width: 258px;" /></div><div dir="ltr"><strong>Pachauri Steps Down As Head of U.N. Climate Panel</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.carbonbrief.org/blog/2015/02/pachauri-steps-down-as-head-of-un-climate-panel/" href="http://www.carbonbrief.org/blog/2015/02/pachauri-steps-down-as-head-of-un-climate-panel/">Carbon Brief</a> has an update; here's the intro: "<em><span>Dr Rajendra Pachauri has stepped down from his role as chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), effective today.</span> After nearly 13 years in the job, Pachauri was due to step down later this year. However, his departure has been brought forward pending <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/environmentalist-rk-pachauri-accused-of-sexual-harassment-goes-on-leave-741956" href="http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/environmentalist-rk-pachauri-accused-of-sexual-harassment-goes-on-leave-741956"> allegations</a> of sexual harassment at the New Delhi-based research centre <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.teriin.org/" href="http://www.teriin.org/"><span>TERI</span></a>, where he is director general.</em>.."</div><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 580px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424795022_extremeweatherNOAA.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424795022_extremeweatherNOAA.jpg" style="height: 126px; width: 580px;" /></div><strong>The Weather Wake-Up Call.</strong> Here's a clip from an Op-Ed at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/energy-environment/233466-the-weather-wake-up-call" href="http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/energy-environment/233466-the-weather-wake-up-call">The Hill</a> that got my attention: "...<em>Instill in your children the importance of working on global issues of sustainability. Teach them how to report about climate and food using their smartphones and tablets. Teach the value of nature and science.<strong> </strong>Demand that media organizations report about sustainability issues more fully than they do. Seek out publications on green living or food safety. Invest in print and online media that have deep and sustained commitments to environmental reporting like National Geographic, Food Tank and other outlets that delve into stories about weather, agriculture, farming and climate</em>..." (Photo credit: NOAA).<br /><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><hr /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div class="photo " style="width: 511px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424795061_3.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424795061_3.jpg" style="height: 63px; width: 511px;" /></div></div><strong>Religious Leaders Urge Action to Combat Climate Change</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://ncronline.org/blogs/eco-catholic/religious-leaders-urge-action-combat-climate-change" href="http://ncronline.org/blogs/eco-catholic/religious-leaders-urge-action-combat-climate-change">National Catholic Reporter</a> has the story - here's a clip: "...<em>Given what Pope Francis has said in the past on the environment, "I think that he will call us to prudent action that promotes the common good for present and future generations and respects human life and dignity while always giving priority to the poor and vulnerable," Wenski said. "Care for creation should engage us all -- and thus I also think that the pope will tell us also to be mindful of and heed the voices of poor who are impacted most by climate change and certainly will be impacted either for good or ill by the policies proposed to address climate change</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 477px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424794431_5.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424794431_5.jpg" style="height: 225px; width: 477px;" /></div><strong>Policing The Online Climate Conversation</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/tomzeller/2015/02/24/policing-the-online-climate-conversation/" href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/tomzeller/2015/02/24/policing-the-online-climate-conversation/">Forbes</a> takes a look at new online tools that can help consumers of information (all of us) better navigate what is scientifically-based vs. not; here's an excerpt: "...<em><a data-cke-saved-href="http://climatefeedback.org/" href="http://climatefeedback.org/">The Climate Feedback Project</a> is the brainchild of Emmanuel M. Vincent, a post-doctoral research fellow in climate and oceanography at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The project harnesses the power of a browser plug-in known as <a data-cke-saved-href="http://hypothes.is/" href="http://hypothes.is/">Hypothes.is</a>, which allows users to highlight and critique select bits of well, really anything that appears online. These annotations then appear to all Hypothes.is users in a panel directly to the right of the text being analyzed</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 277px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424729259_15minutes.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424729259_15minutes.jpg" style="height: 188px; width: 277px;" /></div><strong>No, The Sun Isn't Driving Global Warming. </strong>It did in the past, but there's no apparent link between spiking temperatures and increased solar radiation reaching Earth. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/02/23/no-the-sun-isnt-driving-global-warming/" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/02/23/no-the-sun-isnt-driving-global-warming/">The Washington Post</a> takes a look; here's a snippet: "...<em>However, the idea that the sun is currently driving climate change is strongly rejected by the world’s leading authority on climate science, the U.N.’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.climatechange2013.org/images/report/WG1AR5_SPM_FINAL.pdf" href="http://www.climatechange2013.org/images/report/WG1AR5_SPM_FINAL.pdf">found</a> in its latest (2013) report. “There is high confidence that changes in total solar irradiance have not contributed to the increase in global mean surface temperature over the period 1986 to 2008, based on direct satellite measurements of total solar irradiance,” the report found</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 365px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424729311_emissions.jpg" height="217" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424729311_emissions.jpg" width="365" /></div><strong>Harvard's Star Alumni Urge Week of Protests on Fossil Fuels.</strong> Here's the intro to a story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-20/harvard-s-star-alumni-urge-week-of-protests-against-fossil-fuels" href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-20/harvard-s-star-alumni-urge-week-of-protests-against-fossil-fuels">Bloomberg Business</a>: "<em>Actress Natalie Portman, environmentalist Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and other high-profile Harvard University alumni are calling for demonstrations to urge divestment from fossil fuels. Organizers of “Harvard Heat Week” are planning events of “highly civil civil disobedience,” including daily sit-ins for the week of April 13, according to a letter released Friday asking alumni to come to the campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to join the effort.</em>.."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 467px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424729409_bostonAPEliseAmendola.jpg" height="318" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424729409_bostonAPEliseAmendola.jpg" width="467" /></div><strong>Global Warming Changing Weather In The U.S. Northeast.</strong> Greg Laden had an article at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://scienceblogs.com/gregladen/2015/02/23/global-warming-changing-weather-in-the-us-northeast/" href="http://scienceblogs.com/gregladen/2015/02/23/global-warming-changing-weather-in-the-us-northeast/">scienceblogs.com</a> that made me do a double-take; here's the clip: "...<em>In a recent paper, “<a data-cke-saved-href="http://m.pnas.org/content/111/34/12331.full.pdf" href="http://m.pnas.org/content/111/34/12331.full.pdf">Quasi-resonant circulation regimes and hemispheric synchronization of extreme weather in boreal summer</a>,” Dim Coumou, Vladimir Petoukhov, Stefan Rahmstorf, Stefan Petri, and Hans Joachim Schellnhuber noted the emergence of more frequent “Rossby Waves” in the jet stream, indicating that these waves have become more common and more persistent. They said, “We show that high-amplitude quasi- stationary Rossby waves, associated with resonance circulation regimes, lead to persistent surface weather conditions and therefore to midlatitude synchronization of extreme heat and rainfall events. Since the onset of rapid Arctic amplification around 2000, a cluster of resonance circulation regimes is observed involving wave numbers 7 and 8. This has resulted in a statistically significant increase in the frequency of high- amplitude quasi-stationary waves with these wave numbers</em>..."<br /><br /><u>Photo credit</u> above: "<em>Pedestrians walk single file through snow banks on a Beacon Street sidewalk in Boston, Friday, Feb. 20, 2015. Midway through an epic winter that's shattered records and buried Boston in more than 8 feet of snow, locals and outsiders alike could be forgiven for wondering why a world-class city that's accustomed to heavy snowfall — and prides itself on being a global center of technology and innovation — can't seem to dig out and move on</em>." (AP Photo/Elise Amendola).Paul Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119711149976645625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575361857149684460.post-39221269395593996092015-02-23T22:40:00.000-06:002015-02-23T22:40:08.226-06:00A Baffling Pattern - Hints of Spring Second Week of March<strong>-11 F</strong>. morning low Monday in the Twin Cities.<br /><strong>19 F</strong>. high yesterday at KMSP.<br /><strong>32 F</strong>. average high on February 23.<br /><strong>17 F</strong>. high on February 23, 2014.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #660000;">February 23, 1835</span></b>: Temperature at Ft. Snelling falls 26 degrees in only three hours.<br /><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 614px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424730129_modis.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424730129_modis.jpg" style="height: 266px; width: 614px;" /></div><br /><strong>A Baffling Pattern</strong><br /><br />It may sound trite and cliche but I'm not above that. What a difference a year makes in the heavy snow department! February 2014 was 12.3F colder than average as spokes of the dreaded polar vortex rotated overhead. But it snowed with 18.4 inches in February, 2014.<br /><br />A year ago today we had 20 inches on the ground! This year: a dirty inch in the Twin Cities; no snow at all for southwest Minnesota. 25 inches so far this winter in the Twin Cities, compared with 57 inches a year ago.<br /><br />What changed? A subtle shift in a remarkably persistent ridge of warm, dry high pressure blanketing the western USA. Last winter the ridge axis was further west; every new invasion of bitter air able to tap moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. That resulted in real snow, not this winter's diet of scrawny Alberta Clippers. Unless jet stream winds are blowing from the southwest it's hard to get a big storm into Minnesota.<br /><br />A couple inches of snow may fall Saturday night into early Sunday as yet another storm slides south but no buzz-worthy storms are brewing.<br /><br />The coldest subzero readings are behind us, but a cold bias lingers into next week. 30s sweep in the second week of March - late but very welcome!<br /><hr />* Monday visible image above courtesy of NASA MODIS and the <a data-cke-saved-href="http://ge.ssec.wisc.edu/modis-today/" href="http://ge.ssec.wisc.edu/modis-today/">University of Wisconsin</a>.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424750788_animationT.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424750788_animationT.gif" style="height: 429px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Arctic Burps</strong>. More like a series of world-class Siberian Belches, but a lack of snow across much of Minnesota and the Upper Midwest is limiting how cold it can get. If we had 20-24" of snow on the ground, like we had last year at this time, temperatures would be at least 10F colder and we'd be setting more records. 2-meter temperature simulations from NOAA's 12KM NAM show yet another cold surge arriving today and lingering into the end of the week. January cold, but not polar, school-optional cold. 60-hour loop: Ham Weather.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424750956_animationUse.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424750956_animationUse.gif" style="height: 402px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Ski Georgia</strong>. 60-hour predicted snow amounts show some potentially impressive accumulations from the Mid South into northern Georgia, maybe plowable amounts of slushy snow north of Atlanta Wednesday night. You can see the feeble clipper that whipped up strong winds, a temporary mild blip and light snow up north last night - the pattern not ripe for significant snow looking out 1-2 weeks.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424751148_spark.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424751148_spark.jpg" style="height: 270px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>When In Doubt Forecast A Cold Front</strong>. March is scheduled to come in like a yak, and probably go out like an emu. I'm not sure of that (bad with animals) but I think it's close enough. Today will be the windiest day looking out 10 days with gusts over 30 mph early as colder air plows south again. Although not as cold as last week temperatures run about 15F colder than average Wednesday into Friday before some recovery over the weekend. A southern storm may brush us with a little snow late Saturday into early Sunday. I can't get excited about amounts. Graphic: Weatherspark.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424751199_gfs.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424751199_gfs.jpg" style="height: 297px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Like Turning On A Light Switch</strong>. GFS guidance shows the pattern shifting gears during the second week of March, a run of 30s after the 8th or 9th. Which makes sense - the cold has lingered long enough and we'll be ready for a phase shift within a week or two. I don't see anything resembling a "storm" into at least March 11.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 510px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424751216_jet1.jpg" height="450" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424751216_jet1.jpg" width="510" /></div><strong>Positively Zonal</strong>. GFS winds at 500 mb are forecast to be strongly westerly, zonal, pumping milder Pacific air inland as the core of the coldest air liftings north of Hudson Bay. We'll see more cold fronts (no kidding) but the subzero nighttime lows may finally taper off by mid-March. Source: GrADS:COLA/IGES.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 400px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424729936_lightningcity.jpg" height="184" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424729936_lightningcity.jpg" width="400" /></div><strong>Cities Spark More Thunderstorms Than Rural Areas</strong>. It's something I've noticed for decades now, dust and particulant pollution can "seed" clouds and spark more showers and thunderstorms downwind over the suburbs. Here's an excerpt from an interesting story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://news.discovery.com/earth/weather-extreme-events/cities-spark-more-thunderstorms-than-rural-areas-150221.htm" href="http://news.discovery.com/earth/weather-extreme-events/cities-spark-more-thunderstorms-than-rural-areas-150221.htm">Discovery News</a>: "...<em>Some big cities, particularly those located in hot and humid environments, actually spawn more thunderstorms than surrounding rural areas. That’s the conclusion of a new&nbsp;<a data-cke-saved-href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/qj.2499/full" href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/qj.2499/full">study</a>&nbsp;by Northern Illinois University researchers, which was published in&nbsp;Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society. The scientists found thunderstorm “births” were significantly higher on weekdays compared with weekend days, suggesting that increased pollution levels related to industry and commuting may play a role.</em>.."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 456px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424729840_extremeweatherNASA.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424729840_extremeweatherNASA.jpg" style="height: 271px; width: 456px;" /></div><strong>Better Prepared? What Meteorologists Learned From Hurricane Sandy.</strong> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/15/02/23/preparing-for-the-next-superstorm-what-meteorologists-learned-from-hurricane-sandy/" href="http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/15/02/23/preparing-for-the-next-superstorm-what-meteorologists-learned-from-hurricane-sandy/">NJ Spotlight</a> has a story focused on lessons learned; here's an outtake: "...<em>As the largest hurricane on record when it made landfall two years ago, Sandy presented a variety of challenges for forecasters and emergency management officials. Some have since been addressed, but many others remain. Communication problems meant that residents didn’t understand the true nature of the threat or how it would affect them; warnings were misinterpreted; and people failed to take them seriously. Above all, there was a pervasive mistrust of the predictions, with many people falsely believing that the storm couldn’t be as bad as forecasts suggested, since they had never experienced anything of that magnitude</em>..." (File image above: NASA).<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 523px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 523px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 523px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 523px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 523px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 523px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 523px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 523px;"><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424711054_2.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424711054_2.jpg" style="height: 169px; width: 523px;" /> </strong></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><strong>Cable Channels Speed Up Shows To Squeeze In Extra Commercials</strong>. Because none of us gets quite enough commercial-time, right? <a data-cke-saved-href="http://factually.gizmodo.com/cables-channels-speed-up-shows-to-squeeze-in-extra-comm-1686798770" href="http://factually.gizmodo.com/cables-channels-speed-up-shows-to-squeeze-in-extra-comm-1686798770">Factually</a> has the story; here's an excerpt: "...<em>At some point, you've probably noticed a joke or two cut from a beloved movie or sitcom rerun—for those watching cable, at least. The reason being commercials and capitalism and America, etc.. But cable channels do more than just chopping. They are speeding up the very shows themselves. It's hard to tell how long this practice has actually been in use, but <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/cable-tv-shows-are-sped-up-to-squeeze-in-more-ads-1424301320?mod=e2tw" href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/cable-tv-shows-are-sped-up-to-squeeze-in-more-ads-1424301320?mod=e2tw" target="_blank">according to The Wall Street Journal</a>, compression technology lets channels like TBS deal with drops in ratings by trimming as much as three minutes off shows in some cases</em>..."<br /><hr /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424729807_Peanut Free copy.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424729807_Peanut%20Free%20copy.jpg" style="height: 166px; width: 290px;" /><br /><strong>Skin Patch May Protect Against Life-Threatening Peanut Allergy.</strong> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.today.com/health/peanut-patch-may-protect-against-life-threatening-allergy-2D80506626?ncid=newsltushpmg00000003" href="http://www.today.com/health/peanut-patch-may-protect-against-life-threatening-allergy-2D80506626?ncid=newsltushpmg00000003">The Today Show</a> has an interesting story which may provide hope for peanut allergy sufferers; here's a clip: "<em>In the second phase of a drug trial, half of participants wearing the highest dose “peanut patches” for a year were able to consume the equivalent of four peanuts without reacting, researchers reported Sunday at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. It means that “they are not going to have to worry about traces of peanut in a package that came from a plant where peanuts were used or minor contamination of food in a restaurant,” said the study’s lead author, Dr. Hugh Sampson, a professor of pediatrics at the Icahn School of Medicine and director of the Jaffe Food Allergy Institute at Mount Sinai.</em>.."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 392px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 392px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 392px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 392px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 392px;"><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424729716_neil.jpg" height="258" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424729716_neil.jpg" width="392" /> </strong></div></div></div></div></div><strong>What's In A $168,000 Oscars Swag Bag?</strong> Inquiring minds want to know. Let's set a new high bar for wretched excess - <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/02/oscars-2015-gift-bags?ncid=newsltushpmg00000003" href="http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/02/oscars-2015-gift-bags?ncid=newsltushpmg00000003">Vanity Fair</a> has the details; here's a clip: "...<em><span class="content" data-reactid=".eckd1d4qgw.2:1.1.0.0.5">The bags include an impressive array of incredible perks (free <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.silvercar.com/#/" href="https://www.silvercar.com/#/">Silvercar</a> Audi rentals for a year), slightly odd services (a $20,000 astrology reading), and treats that will probably never cross an A-list star’s lips (an $800 custom candy and dessert buffet).</span></em><span class="content" data-reactid=".eckd1d4qgw.2:1.1.0.0.5"><em> Other gifts include a $12,500 glamping vacation from Terravelo Tours, a train trip on the Rocky Mountaineer, a nine-night Italian vacation package valued at $11,500, $4,000 worth of liposuction, a $1,200 Matrone bicycle, non-invasive L.E.D. light therapy, and $25,000 of custom furniture perfect for giving their Malibu pad a special look.</em>.."</span><br /><br /><u>Photo credit</u> above: "<em>Neil Patrick Harris, center, host of the 87th Academy Awards, at the Governors Ball in Los Angeles, Feb. 22, 2015</em>." (Noel West/The New York Times).<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 235px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424730222_heatSAVE.jpg" height="198" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424730222_heatSAVE.jpg" width="235" /></div><br />TODAY: Mild start with early flurries, then clearing and windy. Winds: NW 20+ High: 30 (early)<br />TUESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy and colder. Low: 5<br />WEDNESDAY: Partly sunny and chilly. High: 15<br />THURSDAY: Sunny, less wind. Still too cold. Wake-up: 0. High: 12<br />FRIDAY: Blue sky, still snow-free. Wake-up: -2. High: 17<br /><strong>SATURDAY</strong>: Clouds increase, snow at night. Wake-up: 6. High: 25<br /><strong>SUNDAY</strong>: Couple inches early? PM clearing. Wake-up: 23. High: 28<br />MONDAY: Sunny, brisk start to March. Wake-up: 4. High: 21<br /><br /><hr /><strong>Climate Stories...</strong><br /><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 277px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424729259_15minutes.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424729259_15minutes.jpg" style="height: 188px; width: 277px;" /></div><strong>No, The Sun Isn't Driving Global Warming. </strong>It did in the past, but there's no apparent link between spiking temperatures and increased solar radiation reaching Earth. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/02/23/no-the-sun-isnt-driving-global-warming/" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/02/23/no-the-sun-isnt-driving-global-warming/">The Washington Post</a> takes a look; here's a snippet: "...<em>However, the idea that the sun is currently driving climate change is strongly rejected by the world’s leading authority on climate science, the U.N.’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.climatechange2013.org/images/report/WG1AR5_SPM_FINAL.pdf" href="http://www.climatechange2013.org/images/report/WG1AR5_SPM_FINAL.pdf">found</a> in its latest (2013) report. “There is high confidence that changes in total solar irradiance have not contributed to the increase in global mean surface temperature over the period 1986 to 2008, based on direct satellite measurements of total solar irradiance,” the report found</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 365px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424729311_emissions.jpg" height="217" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424729311_emissions.jpg" width="365" /></div><strong>Harvard's Star Alumni Urge Week of Protests on Fossil Fuels.</strong> Here's the intro to a story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-20/harvard-s-star-alumni-urge-week-of-protests-against-fossil-fuels" href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-20/harvard-s-star-alumni-urge-week-of-protests-against-fossil-fuels">Bloomberg Business</a>: "<em>Actress Natalie Portman, environmentalist Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and other high-profile Harvard University alumni are calling for demonstrations to urge divestment from fossil fuels. Organizers of “Harvard Heat Week” are planning events of “highly civil civil disobedience,” including daily sit-ins for the week of April 13, according to a letter released Friday asking alumni to come to the campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to join the effort.</em>.."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 467px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424729409_bostonAPEliseAmendola.jpg" height="318" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424729409_bostonAPEliseAmendola.jpg" width="467" /></div><strong>Global Warming Changing Weather In The U.S. Northeast.</strong> Greg Laden had an article at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://scienceblogs.com/gregladen/2015/02/23/global-warming-changing-weather-in-the-us-northeast/" href="http://scienceblogs.com/gregladen/2015/02/23/global-warming-changing-weather-in-the-us-northeast/">scienceblogs.com</a> that made me do a double-take; here's the clip: "...<em>In a recent paper, “<a data-cke-saved-href="http://m.pnas.org/content/111/34/12331.full.pdf" href="http://m.pnas.org/content/111/34/12331.full.pdf">Quasi-resonant circulation regimes and hemispheric synchronization of extreme weather in boreal summer</a>,” Dim Coumou, Vladimir Petoukhov, Stefan Rahmstorf, Stefan Petri, and Hans Joachim Schellnhuber noted the emergence of more frequent “Rossby Waves” in the jet stream, indicating that these waves have become more common and more persistent. They said, “We show that high-amplitude quasi- stationary Rossby waves, associated with resonance circulation regimes, lead to persistent surface weather conditions and therefore to midlatitude synchronization of extreme heat and rainfall events. Since the onset of rapid Arctic amplification around 2000, a cluster of resonance circulation regimes is observed involving wave numbers 7 and 8. This has resulted in a statistically significant increase in the frequency of high- amplitude quasi-stationary waves with these wave numbers</em>..."<br /><br /><u>Photo credit</u> above: "<em>Pedestrians walk single file through snow banks on a Beacon Street sidewalk in Boston, Friday, Feb. 20, 2015. Midway through an epic winter that's shattered records and buried Boston in more than 8 feet of snow, locals and outsiders alike could be forgiven for wondering why a world-class city that's accustomed to heavy snowfall — and prides itself on being a global center of technology and innovation — can't seem to dig out and move on</em>." (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424711992_4.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424711992_4.jpg" style="height: 236px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Climate Change Deniers May Want To Check Out This Instagram Account</strong>. Here's an excerpt from a powerful story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://fusion.net/story/52282/this-instagram-account-shows-how-climate-change-is-already-affecting-us/" href="http://fusion.net/story/52282/this-instagram-account-shows-how-climate-change-is-already-affecting-us/">Fusion</a>: "<em>Need more evidence that climate change is happening right now? There’s an Instagram account for that. Since November, James Whitlow Delano, an American photojournalist specializing in environmental issues, has been posting vivid photos documenting how Earth’s changing climate is impacting people around the world, from brush fires and smog to drought and ice melt. Delano has contributed to National Geographic, the New York Times Magazine, Time, and a host of other publications, and has won numerous awards.</em>.."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 187px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424712392_1.jpg" height="284" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424712392_1.jpg" width="187" /></div><strong>Climatology Versus Psuedoscience Book Tests Whose Predictions Have Been Right</strong>. Here's a snippet from a book review at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2015/feb/23/climatology-versus-pseudoscience-new-book-checks-whose-predictions-have-been-right" href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2015/feb/23/climatology-versus-pseudoscience-new-book-checks-whose-predictions-have-been-right">The Guardian</a> that caught my eye: "...<em>Accountability was one of my prime motivating factors for writing this book. While contrarians often criticize the accuracy of climate models, <a class="u-underline" data-cke-saved-href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2013/oct/01/ipcc-global-warming-projections-accurate" data-component="in-body-link" data-link-name="in body link" href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/climate-consensus-97-per-cent/2013/oct/01/ipcc-global-warming-projections-accurate">their projections have actually been quite accurate</a>. Not only were climate scientists and their models correct to project global warming resulting from the increasing greenhouse effect, but they’ve been quite good at projecting the right amount of warming. Climate scientists don’t take nearly as much credit as they should for these accurate projections</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 329px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 329px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 329px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 329px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 329px;"><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424729524_gina.jpg" height="260" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424729524_gina.jpg" width="329" /> </strong></div></div></div></div></div><strong>Obama's Climate Change Wonk</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.politico.com/story/2015/02/barack-obamas-gina-mccarthy-climate-change-wonk-115372.html" href="http://www.politico.com/story/2015/02/barack-obamas-gina-mccarthy-climate-change-wonk-115372.html">Politico</a> takes a look at EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy; here's an excerpt: "...<em>Nevertheless, even many of her opponents agree that McCarthy is particularly well-suited for the job. She’s no wallflower and often pulls laughs from even the most antagonistic crowds. Her history working for Republican governors like Mitt Romney and her straight-talking demeanor create an easy rapport with some of EPA’s detractors, and her affinity for the details of regulatory policy can keep her grounded in the practical rather than the political issues</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 383px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424711622_3.jpg" height="213" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424711622_3.jpg" width="383" /></div><strong>Wisdom Of The Elders in Alaska Talk Climate Change, Culture, Resilience</strong>. It's a little off the beaten (media) path, which is probably a good thing - here's an excerpt of a story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2015/02/22/wisdom-elders-alaska-talk-climate-change-culture-resilience-159326" href="http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2015/02/22/wisdom-elders-alaska-talk-climate-change-culture-resilience-159326">Indian Country Media Today Network</a>: "...<em><span>That’s what <a data-cke-saved-href="http://wisdomoftheelders.org/" href="http://wisdomoftheelders.org/" target="_blank">Wisdom of the Elders</a>, a Portland-based nonprofit organization, did. They produced two films and a radio series that offer listeners and viewers a wealth of stories, songs and fascinating details of traditional lifeways in programs framed by culture, traditional knowledge, and climate science.</span></em><span><em> Wisdom’s project was motivated by five decades of unprecedented environmental and climate issues that Alaska Native peoples have been experiencing, said executive director Rose High Bear (Deg Hit’an Dine, or Alaskan Athabascan).</em>.."</span><br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 340px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424729568_solarWikipedia.jpg" height="225" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424729568_solarWikipedia.jpg" width="340" /></div><strong>Solar Energy's New Best Friend Is...The Christian Coalition</strong>. I have yet to meet anyone who doesn't want to save money. Alternative energy makes for interesting bedfellows. Here's a clip from a Chris Mooney story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/02/20/solar-energys-new-best-friend-is-the-christian-coalition/?postshare=6861424460233512" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/02/20/solar-energys-new-best-friend-is-the-christian-coalition/?postshare=6861424460233512">The Washington Post</a>: "...<em>The fight is important because the solar industry in the state, and the number of people installing rooftop solar, is expected to grow in coming years — that is, so long as solar remains a good deal financially. What’s particularly fascinating is how this debate&nbsp;has mobilized the religious community. Solar panels are <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.indystar.com/story/news/2015/01/25/need-pay-attention-solar-energy-legislation/22321271/" href="http://www.indystar.com/story/news/2015/01/25/need-pay-attention-solar-energy-legislation/22321271/">going up on church rooftops</a> in Indiana, and on Wednesday,&nbsp;the head of the Christian Coalition of America wrote a <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.cc.org/commentary/god_and_country_indiana_and_america_need_better_energy_policies" href="http://www.cc.org/commentary/god_and_country_indiana_and_america_need_better_energy_policies">blog post</a> favoring solar and referring specifically to the Indiana fight (although without getting into the technical details of net metering)</em>..." (Image: Wikipedia).<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 359px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424729619_militaryAP.jpg" height="200" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424729619_militaryAP.jpg" width="359" /></div><strong>Veteran Peacebuilder Discusses Global Climate Change As Destabilizing Social and Political Threat</strong>. Here's a clip from an interesting article at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://emu.edu/now/news/2015/02/veteran-peacebuilder-discusses-global-climate-change-as-a-destabilizing-social-and-political-threat/" href="http://emu.edu/now/news/2015/02/veteran-peacebuilder-discusses-global-climate-change-as-a-destabilizing-social-and-political-threat/">Eastern Mennonite University</a>: "...<em>The human response to climate change can be dramatic, Schirch said. When drought caused by global warming mixes with corrupt governments and religious extremism, terrorism can result. In fact, retired naval commander Admiral T. Joseph Lopez, has argued that the conditions caused by global climate change will “extend the war on terror.” Lopez was among 11 retired military leaders contributing to a 2007 report, “<a data-cke-saved-href="http://wwhttp://www.cna.org/sites/default/files/news/FlipBooks/Climate%20Change%20web/flipviewerxpress.htmlw.cna.org/sites/default/files/National%20Security%20and%20the%20Threat%20of%20Climate%20Change%20-%20Print.pdf" href="http://wwhttp//www.cna.org/sites/default/files/news/FlipBooks/Climate%20Change%20web/flipviewerxpress.htmlw.cna.org/sites/default/files/National%20Security%20and%20the%20Threat%20of%20Climate%20Change%20-%20Print.pdf">National Security and the Threat of Climate Change</a></em>... (File photo: AP).Paul Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119711149976645625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575361857149684460.post-43234441344248231432015-02-22T22:55:00.000-06:002015-02-22T22:55:08.753-06:00Windchill Advisory - Extended Thaw In Sight<strong>-9 F</strong>. morning low on Sunday.<br /><strong>0 F</strong>. high temperature yesterday in the Twin Cities.<br /><strong>31 F</strong>. average high on February 22.<br /><strong>14 F</strong>. high on February 22, 2014.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #660000;">February 22, 1981</span></b>: Warmth returns to Minnesota with a high at Pipestone of 55 and a high of 52 at Luverne.<br /><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 360px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424661633_bitter1AP.jpg" height="216" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424661633_bitter1AP.jpg" width="360" /></div><br /><strong>The Longest Month?</strong><br /><br />Nagging about the weather is highly subjective; everyone has their opinions, anecdotes &amp; horror stories. There's no one right answer.<br /><br />So forgive me while I lament the month of February, my least favorite month of the year.<br /><br />Think about it. November brings the novelty of snow and Thanksgiving. December features Santa and good tidings of credit, NFL playoffs in January, March holds the promise of spring break and muddy 30s as Old Man Winter begins to lose interest. But February? Aching cold - spits of snow - greasy freeways. Like an annoying uncle who doesn't know when to leave.<br /><br />Sorry for the rant. Tracking a parade of anorexic clippers is making me nutty. Towns from Kentucky to Virginia have seen more snow than MSP so far this winter; New England as much as 4 to 6 times more snow. And I still don't see a "shovel-able" snowfall into at least the second week of March.<br /><br />A southern storm brushes us with light snow next Sunday morning. At this point I'll be surprised if we pick up a grand total of 35 to 40 inches by May 1. A bust for snow lovers.<br /><br />But if you love wind chill you're in luck! The mercury hits 30F Tuesday before the next Canadian cold slap - keep your warmest parka handy.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424661782_animationT.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424661782_animationT.gif" style="height: 429px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Arctic Burps.</strong> Canada exports more chilling air into the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes by midweek, but first the mercury pushes into the 20s later today, brushing freezing Tuesday morning before tumbling once again. NOAA NAM 2-meter temperature forecast via Ham Weather.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424662387_spark.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424662387_spark.jpg" style="height: 270px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>A Cold Finish to February</strong>. I still see a cold bias into the end of next week; growing evidence that we'll finally thaw out the second week of March. A southern storm brushes Minnesota with a light accumulation next Saturday night and Sunday morning - it's early but a couple inches could fall. Probably nothing more.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424662407_gfs.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424662407_gfs.jpg" style="height: 297px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Dripping Icicles</strong>. There's a hardy cardinal that sings a happy tune every morning outside my window. Hardy and a little stupid, but I appreciate the effort. GFS guidance shows 30s pushing into Minnesota (finally) by March 5 or March 6. Circle your calendar.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 629px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424661310_twincitiesWinter.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424661310_twincitiesWinter.jpg" style="height: 440px; width: 629px;" /></div><strong>Snow Drought</strong>. Parts of eastern Kentucky and western Virginia have picked up more snow than the Twin Cities so far this winter. Some coastal communities in New England have received as much as 3 to 5 times more snow than MSP. Here's an excerpt from meteorologist <a data-cke-saved-href="https://dkayserwx.wordpress.com/2015/02/20/snow-drought-continues-who-has-seen-more-than-us-this-winter-so-far/" href="https://dkayserwx.wordpress.com/2015/02/20/snow-drought-continues-who-has-seen-more-than-us-this-winter-so-far/">D.J. Kayser's weather blog</a>: "...<em>Minneapolis sits at only 24.1″ of snow so far this winter, 14.9″ below average for this time of year. Meanwhile, places further south have gotten more snow than us. Jackson, KY, only averages 17.8″ of snow through February 19th – they’ve seen 24.7″. And 20.8″ of that has fallen this month – over 15″ of that within the past five days.</em>.."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 405px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424661245_coldestcity.jpg" height="300" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424661245_coldestcity.jpg" width="405" /></div><strong>Thrilled By Chills? Take A Look At The World's Coldest City</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.npr.org/2015/02/15/386128997/thrilled-by-chills-take-a-look-at-the-worlds-coldest-city?utm_source=npr_newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=20150222&amp;utm_campaign=mostemailed&amp;utm_term=nprnews" href="http://www.npr.org/2015/02/15/386128997/thrilled-by-chills-take-a-look-at-the-worlds-coldest-city?utm_source=npr_newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=20150222&amp;utm_campaign=mostemailed&amp;utm_term=nprnews">NPR</a> had a story over the weekend that made me temporarily forget about the latest cold front. Keep me out of Yakutsk, Russia, please. I'm feeling better about the Twin Cities. Here's an excerpt: "...<em>Maybe you've heard of Yakutsk from the board game Risk, which you might have played in the comfort of your warm home. Out here, the average winter temperature is brutal: -30 degrees Fahrenheit. "The first impression I had was being physically gripped by [the cold]," Chapple says. "It was literally like something had wrapped around my legs</em>..."<br /><br /><u>Photo credit</u> above: "Yakutsk, Russia is the world's coldest city: average winter temperatures hit -30 degrees. It's also the largest city built on permafrost. <span class="credit"><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.amoschapplephoto.com/" href="http://www.amoschapplephoto.com/" target="_blank">Amos Chapple </a> </span><br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424661028_3.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424661028_3.jpg" style="height: 262px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Jeremy Jackson On Sea Level Rise</strong>. This <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAtCQ7REXAc#t=2109" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAtCQ7REXAc#t=2109">YouTube video</a> will not be endorsed by the Chamber of Commerce of Miami, New Orleans or New York City anytime soon. Jeremy Jackson addressed the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island on February 5. The presentation goes over an hour - if you have friends in south Florida, Louisiana or the Big Apple you might want to take a peek.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 554px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424578945_5.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424578945_5.jpg" style="height: 277px; width: 554px;" /></div><strong>Tornado In A Bottle.</strong> How many fans does it take to create a miniature tornado in a laboratory? Fewer than you might think, according to an interesting story and video at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/new_scientist/2015/02/tornadoes_and_downbursts_in_a_lab_the_windeee_facility_tests_wind_dangers.html" href="http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/new_scientist/2015/02/tornadoes_and_downbursts_in_a_lab_the_windeee_facility_tests_wind_dangers.html">Slate</a>; here's a clip: "...<em>We can create a <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztxncZinHy0" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztxncZinHy0" target="_blank">5-meter-wide tornado inside the chamber</a>. A tornado is a combination of rotation and suction. By angling the airflow from the fans around the lower chamber, we control the rotation of a tornado vortex, and we create the suction by running the six huge fans in reverse. The beauty of our tornado is that we can move it along the ground at 2 meters per second</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 463px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424453118_apple.jpg" height="279" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424453118_apple.jpg" width="463" /></div><strong>Apple Wants To Start Producing Cars As Soon As 2020</strong>. Will they buy Tesla to jump-start their development efforts? It's no longer about digital devices, soon it will be a digital lifestyle, including new transportation options. Here's a clip from a story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-19/apple-said-to-be-targeting-car-production-as-soon-as-2020" href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-19/apple-said-to-be-targeting-car-production-as-soon-as-2020">Bloomberg Business</a>: "...<em>Tesla’s success in creating a startup car company has shown that the traditional barriers of entry into the auto industry aren’t as difficult to overcome as originally thought, said one person, who asked not to be identified because the matter is private. At the same time, automakers have struggled to bring technical leaps to car development, something that Silicon Valley is also seeking to accomplish. For example, Google Inc. has invested in developing an autonomous vehicle since 2010</em>..." (Image courtesy of <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.ijailbreak.com/news/new-rumor-apple-working-on-car/" href="http://www.ijailbreak.com/news/new-rumor-apple-working-on-car/">iJailbreak</a>).<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424578743_commuterfromhell.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424578743_commuterfromhell.jpg" style="height: 408px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>7 Cities That Are Starting To Go Car-Free</strong>. I found this story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3040634/7-cities-that-are-starting-to-go-car-free?lang=en&amp;utm_campaign=10today&amp;flab_cell_id=2&amp;flab_experiment_id=19&amp;uid=1242124&amp;utm_content=article&amp;utm_source=email&amp;part=s1&amp;utm_medium=10today.0220&amp;position=4&amp;china_variant=False" href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3040634/7-cities-that-are-starting-to-go-car-free?lang=en&amp;utm_campaign=10today&amp;flab_cell_id=2&amp;flab_experiment_id=19&amp;uid=1242124&amp;utm_content=article&amp;utm_source=email&amp;part=s1&amp;utm_medium=10today.0220&amp;position=4&amp;china_variant=False">fastcoexist.com</a> fascinating - wondering if the trend will come to the Twin Cities; here's an excerpt: "...<em>Traffic in London today moves slower than an average cyclist (or a <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/804876.london_cars_move_no_faster_than_chickens/" href="http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/804876.london_cars_move_no_faster_than_chickens/" target="_blank">horse-drawn carriage</a>). Commuters in L.A. spend <a data-cke-saved-href="http://time.com/2821738/los-angeles-traffic-study/" href="http://time.com/2821738/los-angeles-traffic-study/" target="_blank">90 hours</a> a year stuck in traffic. A U.K. study found that drivers spend <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/10082461/Motorists-spend-106-days-looking-for-parking-spots.html" href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/10082461/Motorists-spend-106-days-looking-for-parking-spots.html" target="_blank">106 days</a> of their lives looking for parking spots. Now a growing number of cities are getting rid of cars in certain neighborhoods through fines, better design, new apps, and, in the case of Milan, even paying commuters to leave their car parked at home and take the train instead</em>..." (If anyone spots the woman in the convertible above please call 911 immediately).<br /><br /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424666897_4.jpg" height="357" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424666897_4.jpg" width="261" /><br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424661610_panoramaJan12015.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424661610_panoramaJan12015.jpg" style="height: 189px; width: 630px;" /></div><br />TODAY: Cold start. Turning windy with fading sun. Wind chill: -25 early. Winds: SW 15-25. High: 24<br />MONDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy, rising temperatures. Low: 23<br />TUESDAY: Mild start, few flakes in the air. High: 31<br />WEDNESDAY: More clouds than sun, chilly. Wake-up: 6. High: 15<br />THURSDAY: Blue sky. Sunscreen optional. Wake-up: -4. High: 12<br />FRIDAY: Plenty of sun. Another wintry hug. Wake-up: -2. High: 18<br /><strong>SATURDAY</strong>: Clouds increase, light snow late? Wake-up: 9. High: 26<br /><strong>SUNDAY</strong>: Snow tapers. Couple inches early? Wake-up: 18. High: 27<br /><br /><hr /><strong>Climate Stories....</strong><br /><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424579508_willie.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424579508_willie.jpg" style="height: 249px; width: 630px;" /></div><div class="story-body-text story-content" data-para-count="123" data-total-count="2489" itemprop="articleBody"><strong>Deeper Ties To Corporate Cash For A Doubtful Climate Scientist. </strong>Except that he's not a climate scientist; he's an aerospace engineer. His papers over the years have cast doubt on man-made warming; linking any changes in temperature to the sun. And you'll never believe who is major funders are. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/22/us/ties-to-corporate-cash-for-climate-change-researcher-Wei-Hock-Soon.html&amp;assetType=nyt_now&amp;_r=0" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/22/us/ties-to-corporate-cash-for-climate-change-researcher-Wei-Hock-Soon.html&amp;assetType=nyt_now&amp;_r=0">The New York Times</a> has the story; here's an excerpt: "...<em>Historians and sociologists of science say that since the tobacco wars of the 1960s, corporations trying to block legislation that hurts their interests have employed a strategy of creating the appearance of scientific doubt, usually with the help of ostensibly independent researchers who accept industry funding. Fossil-fuel interests have followed this approach for years, but the mechanics of their activities remained largely hidden</em>..."</div><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 257px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 257px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 257px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 257px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 257px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 257px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 257px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 257px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 257px;"><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424579704_co211.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424579704_co211.jpg" style="height: 188px; width: 257px;" /> </strong></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><strong>Senator Edward Markey To Investigate Energy Companies on Climate Science Funding</strong>. Here's a clip from <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2015/02/22/senator-edward-markey-investigate-energy-companies-climate-science-funding/Ex1QsGTBrCYRYlZTmruunO/story.html" href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2015/02/22/senator-edward-markey-investigate-energy-companies-climate-science-funding/Ex1QsGTBrCYRYlZTmruunO/story.html">The Boston Globe</a>: "...<em>The Massachusetts Democrat will send letters to fossil fuel companies, trade organizations, and others with a stake in carbon fuels, aiming to reveal other climate-change-skeptical scientists whose work has been subsidized by those parties, a Markey spokesman said via e-mail. “For years, fossil fuel interests and front groups have attacked climate scientists and legislation to cut carbon pollution using junk science and debunked arguments,” Markey said in a statement. “The American public deserve an honest debate that isn’t polluted by the best junk science fossil fuel interests can buy. That’s why I will be launching this investigation to see how widespread this denial-for-hire scheme stretches within the anti-climate action cabal.</em>..”Paul Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119711149976645625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575361857149684460.post-64731383416648900472015-02-21T23:14:00.000-06:002015-02-21T23:14:02.981-06:00Wind Chill Warnings - Wavier Jet Stream Pattern - Climate-Denying PhD's For Hire<strong>24 F</strong>. maximum temperature Saturday at KMSP.<br /><strong>31 F</strong>. average high on February 21.<br /><strong>16 F</strong>. high on February 21, 2014.<br /><br /><strong>1" snow</strong> on the ground in the Twin Cities.<br /><strong>24" snow</strong> on the ground February 21, 2014.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #660000;">February 21, 1922</span></b>: Blizzard, ice and thunderstorms across Minnesota. Winds hit 50 mph in Duluth while thunderstorms were reported in the Twin Cities. Heavy ice over southeast Minnesota with 2 inches of ice on wires near Winona. Over two inches of precipitation fell. This was also one of the largest ice storms ever in Wisconsin history with ice four inches in diameter on telegraph wires. One foot of ice covered wire weighed 11 pounds. One killed and four injured in Wisconsin.<br /><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 348px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424579883_frostywindowImarahixon.jpg" height="287" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424579883_frostywindowImarahixon.jpg" width="348" /></div><br /><strong>Brittle Sunlight</strong><br /><br />Welcome to Saskatoon! Plug in your car (or your horse), scrape the ice off your contacts and keep an eye out for grizzlies on Doppler! Since when did aerobic shivering become an Olympic sport? Oh well. This too shall pass.<br /><br />The only thing I can guarantee is sunrise and sunset. The good news, if you're counting the days until spring: nearly 2 hours of additional daylight since December 21. Sustained subzero air in late February and early March is unusual but not unprecedented. This is nature's way of evening up the score after a relatively mild December and January.<br /><br />There's new scientific research linking a wavier jet stream, upper level winds prone to becoming "stuck" for weeks at a time, to rapid warming of the Arctic. Whatever the cause I'm amazed by the persistence of the pattern we're in, one that favors more cold, dry weather.<br /><br />Today will be good for allergy sufferers, bad for gardening. The sun will shine, but a numbing breeze will make it feel like 25 below. A thaw is likely Tuesday, but a cold bias continues - another subzero swipe possible the middle of next week. Spring is NOT just around the corner.<br /><br />Heartwarming news: meteorological winter, the 90 coldest days of the year, ends in 1 week.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424580829_animationT.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424580829_animationT.gif" style="height: 402px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Purple Crush</strong>. Canada is once again exporting a rude blast of thumb-numbing air south of the border. We'll get even with hot, steamy, sweaty "American Air" in a few months, just to even up the score. Unless you're lapsing into a coma you can clearly see the pulses of subzero air pushing south, sailing directly over Minnesota today; another shot approaching by Wednesday. NOAA model data: <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.hamweather.com/" href="http://www.hamweather.com/">Ham Weather</a>.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424580311_7.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424580311_7.jpg" style="height: 487px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Mild Bias Worldwide</strong>. That probably won't come as much of a shock, but the pockets of persistent cold continue to show up from central Canada into the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes and much of the East Coast. Meanwhile temperatures in the Arctic are averaging 2.64C, about 4F, warmer than normal for February 21. Global temperature anomalies: <a data-cke-saved-href="http://cci-reanalyzer.org/DailySummary/" href="http://cci-reanalyzer.org/DailySummary/">Climate Reanalyzer</a>, University of Maine.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 578px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424580506_6.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424580506_6.jpg" style="height: 306px; width: 578px;" /></div><strong>No Sign Of Mild Close To Home</strong>. NOAA has issued a Wind Chill Advisory for much of Minnesota and Wisconsin, including the Twin Cities. Wind Chill Warnings are posted north and west of a line from Duluth to St. Cloud and Willmar for even more dangerous chill factors, reaching -30 to -35F at times.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424581567_9.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424581567_9.jpg" style="height: 344px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>No Rest For The Weary</strong>. Ham Weather's Aeris model guidance shows subzero temperatures from the Dakotas and Minnesota into Wisconsin and much of the Great Lakes Thursday morning at 7 AM as another surge of nippy air sails south; probably not record-setting, and not as cold or persistent as last winter.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424581104_spark.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424581104_spark.jpg" style="height: 279px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Super-Sized February.</strong> For many people February is the hardest month; spring is now within sight, but winter relapses are still the norm. We wake up to subzero this morning; today's "high" blipping just above zero by mid afternoon. After waking up to -7F the mercury pushes into the 20s Monday and 30s Tuesday before the next push of Canadian air. Monday appears to be the windiest day of the week with gusts well over 30 mph. And no, I still don't see a "storm". Graphic: Weatherspark.<br /><hr /><div class="photo "><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424446597_wavierjetNOAA.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424446597_wavierjetNOAA.jpg" /></div><strong>Weird Winter Weather Plot Thickens As Arctic Swiftly Warms</strong>. For a few years now I've been describing what I perceive as changes in the configuration of the jet stream over North America. At first I thought I was hallucinating, but recent research seems to suggest that rapid warming of the Arctic may, in fact, be impacting the shape and persistence of upper level steering winds. Here's an excerpt of a post at The Conversation and <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/weird-winter-weather-plot-thickens-as-arctic-swiftly-warms/" href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/weird-winter-weather-plot-thickens-as-arctic-swiftly-warms/">Scientific American</a>: "...<em>Other&nbsp;<a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.pnas.org/content/111/34/12331.abstract" href="http://www.pnas.org/content/111/34/12331.abstract" target="_blank">studies</a>&nbsp;suggest that Arctic warming in summer leads to a split jet stream—or two separated rivers of wind—which tends to trap the waves. Those stationary waves cause weather conditions to remain “stuck” for long periods, increasing the likelihood of extreme heat waves, droughts and flooding events in Eurasia and North America. Our own new work,&nbsp;<a data-cke-saved-href="http://iopscience.iop.org/1748-9326/10/1/014005/article" href="http://iopscience.iop.org/1748-9326/10/1/014005/article" target="_blank">published</a>&nbsp;last month in Environmental Research Letters, uses a variety of new metrics to show that the jet stream is becoming wavier and that rapid Arctic warming is playing a role. If these results are confirmed, then we’ll see our weather patterns become more persistent</em>..." (Image credit: NOAA).<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 575px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424446781_1.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424446781_1.jpg" style="height: 226px; width: 575px;" /></div><strong>Evidence For A Wavier Jet Stream</strong>. A summary of Jennifer Francis's latest research is <a data-cke-saved-href="http://iopscience.iop.org/1748-9326/10/1/014005/article" href="http://iopscience.iop.org/1748-9326/10/1/014005/article">here</a>.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 516px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424461528_2.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424461528_2.jpg" style="height: 572px; width: 516px;" /></div><strong>Meteorology Professor Explains Extreme Weather Pattern</strong>. Speaking of a "stuck" jet stream, <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.wgrz.com/story/news/local/buffalo/2015/02/20/meteorology-professor-explains-extreme-weather-pattern/23714379/" href="http://www.wgrz.com/story/news/local/buffalo/2015/02/20/meteorology-professor-explains-extreme-weather-pattern/23714379/">WGRZ.com</a> in Buffalo has a story explaining how another unusually persistent jet stream configuration is resulting in either record warmth + drought, or mega-blizzards and polar cold; here's an excerpt: "...<em>Professor Stephen Vermette coordinates the Meteorology and Climatology Program at SUNY Buffalo State. He says we can blame these extreme weather patterns on the jet stream. "It's been stuck in place and that's week after week after week, especially February we've been getting some very cold temperatures while places like Montana and Idaho and California, even Alaska, are getting much warmer temperatures," he says. Vermette says more than four-thousand warm temperature records have been set out west just this month alone. But on our side of the map, there have been about 250 cold temperature records set</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424451305_envious.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424451305_envious.jpg" style="height: 470px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Ironic Captions Encouraged</strong>. Thanks to <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.utsandiego.com/photos/galleries/sets/steve-breen/" href="http://www.utsandiego.com/photos/galleries/sets/steve-breen/">Steve Breen</a> at U-T San Diego for summarizing another all-or-nothing weather proposition.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424448766_10.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424448766_10.jpg" style="height: 427px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Second Warmest January On Record, Worldwide</strong>. NOAA NCDC has an <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/briefings/201502.pdf" href="http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/briefings/201502.pdf">interesting PDF</a> with highlights of January, and the winter, to date. Only January 2007 was warmer than last month.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424448779_11.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424448779_11.jpg" style="height: 406px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>A Tale of Extremes</strong>. California has been experiencing record warmth, while Boston is digging out from a near-record winter of snow, a parade of coastal storms since late January. I still suspect Minnesota's winter will be close to average overall, colder than average weather in November and February compensating for milder than normal weather in December and January.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424449396_20.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424449396_20.jpg" style="height: 443px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>2015 Picks Up Where 2014 Record Heat Left Off</strong>. Here's a snippet from a post at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/january-second-warmest-on-record-18685" href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/january-second-warmest-on-record-18685">Climate Central</a>: "...<em>All three agencies <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/a-broken-record-2014-hottest-year-18546" href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/a-broken-record-2014-hottest-year-18546">ranked 2014 as the warmest year</a> on record by a slim margin, driven by the accumulation of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Nine of the 10 hottest years on record have all occurred in the 21st century, with the exception of the blockbuster El Nino year of 1998. There <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/2014-set-for-record-hot-record-cold-thing-of-the-past-18360" href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/2014-set-for-record-hot-record-cold-thing-of-the-past-18360">hasn’t been a record cold year</a> set since 1911, while during the same period there have been 19 record-warm years, according to a Climate Central analysis</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 554px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424578945_5.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424578945_5.jpg" style="height: 277px; width: 554px;" /></div><strong>Tornado In A Bottle.</strong> How many fans does it take to create a miniature tornado in a laboratory? Fewer than you might think, according to an interesting story and video at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/new_scientist/2015/02/tornadoes_and_downbursts_in_a_lab_the_windeee_facility_tests_wind_dangers.html" href="http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/new_scientist/2015/02/tornadoes_and_downbursts_in_a_lab_the_windeee_facility_tests_wind_dangers.html">Slate</a>; here's a clip: "...<em>We can create a <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztxncZinHy0" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztxncZinHy0" target="_blank">5-meter-wide tornado inside the chamber</a>. A tornado is a combination of rotation and suction. By angling the airflow from the fans around the lower chamber, we control the rotation of a tornado vortex, and we create the suction by running the six huge fans in reverse. The beauty of our tornado is that we can move it along the ground at 2 meters per second</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 470px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424452995_rockets.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424452995_rockets.jpg" style="height: 259px; width: 470px;" /></div><strong>Rocket Flown Through Northern Lights To Help Unlock Space Weather Mysteries</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.gizmag.com/rocket-to-fly-through-northern-lights-to-help-predict-space-weather/36139/?utm_source=Gizmag+Subscribers&amp;utm_campaign=a3b8224598-UA-2235360-4&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_65b67362bd-a3b8224598-89969994" href="http://www.gizmag.com/rocket-to-fly-through-northern-lights-to-help-predict-space-weather/36139/?utm_source=Gizmag+Subscribers&amp;utm_campaign=a3b8224598-UA-2235360-4&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_65b67362bd-a3b8224598-89969994">Gizmag</a> has the story; here's the introduction: "<em>The northern lights are more than one of nature's most awe inspiring sights, they are an electromagnetic phenomena that can adversely affect power grids and communications and navigation systems. Researchers from the University of Oslo have flown a rocket through the phenomena to take a closer look with the aim of gathering data that will help in predicting space weather</em>..."<br /><br /><u>Image credit</u> above: "<em>Artist's depiction of the ICI-4 rocket which launched today</em>." (Image: Trond Abrahamsen, Andøya Space Center).<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 463px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424453118_apple.jpg" height="279" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424453118_apple.jpg" width="463" /></div><strong>Apple Wants To Start Producing Cars As Soon As 2020</strong>. Will they buy Tesla to jump-start their development efforts? It's no longer about digital devices, soon it will be a digital lifestyle, including new transportation options. Here's a clip from a story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-19/apple-said-to-be-targeting-car-production-as-soon-as-2020" href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-19/apple-said-to-be-targeting-car-production-as-soon-as-2020">Bloomberg Business</a>: "...<em>Tesla’s success in creating a startup car company has shown that the traditional barriers of entry into the auto industry aren’t as difficult to overcome as originally thought, said one person, who asked not to be identified because the matter is private. At the same time, automakers have struggled to bring technical leaps to car development, something that Silicon Valley is also seeking to accomplish. For example, Google Inc. has invested in developing an autonomous vehicle since 2010</em>..." (Image courtesy of <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.ijailbreak.com/news/new-rumor-apple-working-on-car/" href="http://www.ijailbreak.com/news/new-rumor-apple-working-on-car/">iJailbreak</a>).<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424578743_commuterfromhell.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424578743_commuterfromhell.jpg" style="height: 408px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>7 Cities That Are Starting To Go Car-Free</strong>. I found this story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3040634/7-cities-that-are-starting-to-go-car-free?lang=en&amp;utm_campaign=10today&amp;flab_cell_id=2&amp;flab_experiment_id=19&amp;uid=1242124&amp;utm_content=article&amp;utm_source=email&amp;part=s1&amp;utm_medium=10today.0220&amp;position=4&amp;china_variant=False" href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3040634/7-cities-that-are-starting-to-go-car-free?lang=en&amp;utm_campaign=10today&amp;flab_cell_id=2&amp;flab_experiment_id=19&amp;uid=1242124&amp;utm_content=article&amp;utm_source=email&amp;part=s1&amp;utm_medium=10today.0220&amp;position=4&amp;china_variant=False">fastcoexist.com</a> fascinating - wondering if the trend will come to the Twin Cities; here's an excerpt: "...<em>Traffic in London today moves slower than an average cyclist (or a <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/804876.london_cars_move_no_faster_than_chickens/" href="http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/804876.london_cars_move_no_faster_than_chickens/" target="_blank">horse-drawn carriage</a>). Commuters in L.A. spend <a data-cke-saved-href="http://time.com/2821738/los-angeles-traffic-study/" href="http://time.com/2821738/los-angeles-traffic-study/" target="_blank">90 hours</a> a year stuck in traffic. A U.K. study found that drivers spend <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/10082461/Motorists-spend-106-days-looking-for-parking-spots.html" href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/10082461/Motorists-spend-106-days-looking-for-parking-spots.html" target="_blank">106 days</a> of their lives looking for parking spots. Now a growing number of cities are getting rid of cars in certain neighborhoods through fines, better design, new apps, and, in the case of Milan, even paying commuters to leave their car parked at home and take the train instead</em>..." (If anyone spots the woman in the convertible above please call 911 immediately).<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 400px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424579808_Dougsundog.jpg" height="223" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424579808_Dougsundog.jpg" width="400" /></div><br /><strong>TODAY</strong>: Arctic therapy. Sunny, feels like -25. Winds: NW 10-15. High: 3 (subzero most of the daylight hours).<br /><strong>SUNDAY NIGHT</strong>: Clear, still brisk but winds subside a bit. Low: -11<br />MONDAY: Clouds increase, not as cold. High: 24<br />TUESDAY: Cloudy, relatively mild with a fleeting thaw. Wake-up: 22. High: 34<br />WEDNESDAY: Blue sky, cooling down again. Wake-up: 6. High: 16<br />THURSDAY: Sunny, less wind. Wake-up: -1. High: 13<br />FRIDAY: Chilly, storms stay south of MN. Wake-up: 0. High: 19<br /><strong>SATURDAY</strong>: Clouds increase, still quiet. Wake-up: 7. High: 24<br /><br /><hr /><strong>Climate Stories....</strong><br /><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424579508_willie.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424579508_willie.jpg" style="height: 249px; width: 630px;" /></div><div class="story-body-text story-content" data-para-count="123" data-total-count="2489" itemprop="articleBody"><strong>Deeper Ties To Corporate Cash For A Doubtful Climate Scientist. </strong>Except that he's not a climate scientist; he's an aerospace engineer. His papers over the years have cast doubt on man-made warming; linking any changes in temperature to the sun. And you'll never believe who is major funders are. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/22/us/ties-to-corporate-cash-for-climate-change-researcher-Wei-Hock-Soon.html&amp;assetType=nyt_now&amp;_r=0" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/22/us/ties-to-corporate-cash-for-climate-change-researcher-Wei-Hock-Soon.html&amp;assetType=nyt_now&amp;_r=0">The New York Times</a> has the story; here's an excerpt: "...<em>Historians and sociologists of science say that since the tobacco wars of the 1960s, corporations trying to block legislation that hurts their interests have employed a strategy of creating the appearance of scientific doubt, usually with the help of ostensibly independent researchers who accept industry funding. Fossil-fuel interests have followed this approach for years, but the mechanics of their activities remained largely hidden</em>..."</div><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 257px;"><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424579704_co211.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424579704_co211.jpg" style="height: 188px; width: 257px;" /> </strong></div><strong>Senator Edward Markey To Investigate Energy Companies on Climate Science Funding</strong>. Here's a clip from <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2015/02/22/senator-edward-markey-investigate-energy-companies-climate-science-funding/Ex1QsGTBrCYRYlZTmruunO/story.html" href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2015/02/22/senator-edward-markey-investigate-energy-companies-climate-science-funding/Ex1QsGTBrCYRYlZTmruunO/story.html">The Boston Globe</a>: "...<em>The Massachusetts Democrat will send letters to fossil fuel companies, trade organizations, and others with a stake in carbon fuels, aiming to reveal other climate-change-skeptical scientists whose work has been subsidized by those parties, a Markey spokesman said via e-mail. “For years, fossil fuel interests and front groups have attacked climate scientists and legislation to cut carbon pollution using junk science and debunked arguments,” Markey said in a statement. “The American public deserve an honest debate that isn’t polluted by the best junk science fossil fuel interests can buy. That’s why I will be launching this investigation to see how widespread this denial-for-hire scheme stretches within the anti-climate action cabal.</em>..”<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424446886_jen.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424446886_jen.jpg" style="height: 585px; width: 585px;" /> </strong></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><strong>Globola. </strong>If it had a scarier name than climate change would we still be sitting on our hands and "debating" the science? Maybe not. Who knows. But Jen Sorensen nails it in <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.gocomics.com/jen-sorensen/2014/10/21" href="http://www.gocomics.com/jen-sorensen/2014/10/21">this comic</a>.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 419px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424465873_3.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424465873_3.jpg" style="height: 346px; width: 419px;" /></div><strong>6 in 10 Americans Have Given Climate Change and Health "No Thought".</strong> Here's the intro to a story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.weather.com/health/news/climate-change-health-impacts-report" href="http://www.weather.com/health/news/climate-change-health-impacts-report">weather.com</a>: "Has climate change affected your area? You might not think it, but the answer is yes. "<em>Every American, whether they know it or not, has been affected by climate change," &nbsp;Edward Maibach, the director of George Mason University's Center for Climate Change Communication, told weather.com. One of the most prominent ways it is already impacting the U.S. is through health. But most Americans have no concept of the complex intersection between their health and the environment, a report, "<a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.climatechangecommunication.org/sites/default/files/reports/Global-Warming-Public-Health-October%202014%20FINAL.pdf" href="http://www.climatechangecommunication.org/sites/default/files/reports/Global-Warming-Public-Health-October%202014%20FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">Public Perceptions of the Health&nbsp;Consequences of Global Warming</a>," published in October 2014, indicated</em>..."<br /><hr /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424465945_sunset8 (2).jpg" height="281" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424465945_sunset8%20%282%29.jpg" width="298" /><br /><div class="story-body-text" itemprop="articleBody"><strong>What If We Lost The Sky?</strong> If it ever gets to the point where we need to take drastic action, ie "geoengineering", or pumping chemicals into the stratosphere to try and cool the Earth, other things may be lost, things we tend to take for granted, like blue sky and starry nights. Here's a clip from an Op-Ed at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://op-talk.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/20/what-if-we-lost-the-sky/?emc=edit_tnt_20150220&amp;nlid=6274831&amp;tntemail0=y&amp;_r=0" href="http://op-talk.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/20/what-if-we-lost-the-sky/?emc=edit_tnt_20150220&amp;nlid=6274831&amp;tntemail0=y&amp;_r=0">The New York Times</a>: "...<em>If we lose the night sky, he said, “we lose something precious and sacred.” He believes whitening the daytime sky might result in&nbsp;“that same loss of the sense of what’s vast,” a sense his team’s research suggests is “one of the most important things that people build into their lives</em>...”</div><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 380px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424449534_21.jpg" height="215" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424449534_21.jpg" width="380" /></div><strong>Fight Climate Change, Make Money</strong>. So says Virgin founder Richard Branson in an Op-Ed at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/19/opinion/branson-polman-climate-business" href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/19/opinion/branson-polman-climate-business">CNN</a>; here's a clip: "...<em>Codifying this goal into the international agreement that's taking shape would send the strongest possible market signal that there's money to be made in taking climate change seriously. A net zero position allows business leaders to take short-term action and make long-term plans to develop profitable ways to be competitive, even as they limit emissions, increase efficiency and find strategies to offset the remaining emissions that can't be avoided</em>..."Paul Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119711149976645625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575361857149684460.post-81596421375960424832015-02-20T22:42:00.001-06:002015-02-20T22:42:09.697-06:00A Snowy Disconnect - What If Climate Change Was Called "Globola"<div class="paragraph" data-pnum="2"><strong>25 F</strong>. high in the Twin Cities Friday.</div><div class="paragraph" data-pnum="2"><strong>31 F</strong>. average high on February 20.</div><div class="paragraph" data-pnum="2"><strong>38 F</strong>. high on February 20, 2014.</div><div class="paragraph" data-pnum="2"><br /></div><div class="paragraph" data-pnum="2"><strong>.7" snow</strong> fell at KMSP Friday morning.</div><div class="paragraph" data-pnum="2"><strong>15.5"</strong> snow since December 1.</div><div class="paragraph" data-pnum="2"><strong>29.4"</strong> normal snowfall between December 1 and February 20.</div><div class="paragraph" data-pnum="2"><strong>54.4" </strong>snow&nbsp; from December 1, 2013 to February 20, 2014.</div><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424465673_snow1.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424465673_snow1.jpg" style="height: 382px; width: 630px;" /></div><br /><strong>A Snowy Disconnect</strong><br /><br />Storm. noun: a violent disturbance of the atmosphere with strong winds and usually rain, thunder, lightning, or snow.<br /><br />Oh, I remember those! Vaguely. A faded memory, right up there with prom dates and fax machines.<br />During a typical winter (ha!) MSP picks up 9 or 10 plowable snowfalls of 2 inches or more. So far this winter: 4 plowable snows, 2 of them in November. Our biggest "storm"? An awe-inspiring 3.4 inches on December 27.<br /><br />It seems a bit surreal to be staring out at subzero temperatures with a paltry 1 inch of snow on the ground.<br /><br />February in Wichita.<br /><br />And just like last winter the jet stream has gotten stuck in a rut, a groove; relatively dry, harmless clippers sailing over Minnesota, intensifying into coastal monsters capable of burying Boston under 100" of snow in the better part of 30 days. I still believe this is linked to rapid warming of the Arctic - we'll see.<br /><br />We're making up for a milder than average December and January - and it now looks as if a prolonged thaw may not arrive until the second week of March. We struggle to top 0F Sunday; 2-3 more subzero mornings between now and next Thursday. If anyone asks (doubtful) we've enjoyed 21 mornings of negative fun. Last winter we endured 50 subzero lows. Feeling any better?<br /><hr />* 36.5% of the Lower 48 states are snow-covered, according to <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.nohrsc.noaa.gov/nsa/" href="http://www.nohrsc.noaa.gov/nsa/">NOAA</a>. That's up from 25% on January 20.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 415px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424465754_bitterNOAA.jpg" height="245" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424465754_bitterNOAA.jpg" width="415" /></div><strong>Some Notes On Cold Temperatures</strong>. Some of the coldest mid-February temperatures over far northern Minnesota since 1966? Here's an excerpt from Dr. Mark Seeley at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://blog-weathertalk.extension.umn.edu/" href="http://blog-weathertalk.extension.umn.edu/">Minnesota WeatherTalk</a>: "...<em>Seagull Lake set a new record low with -38F; Brimson and Embarrass set new record lows with a reading of -41F; Ely and Tower set new record lows with -37F; Orr reported a new record low of -36F; and Littlefork reported a record low of -34F.&nbsp; It is interesting to note that the places in the state that set new cold temperature records this week were areas that also have the deepest snow cover (a foot up to 30 inches).&nbsp; From a historical perspective these are the coldest mid-February low temperatures since those of 1966</em>..."<br /><hr /><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424492962_animationT.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424492962_animationT.gif" style="height: 402px; width: 630px;" /></div><br /><strong>Respect The Purple</strong>. Purple, as in purple-pain. Everything shaded in light purple is subzero; dark purple is seriously cold air. 2-meter NOAA temperature forecast into early Tuesday from the 12km NAM. Animation: Ham Weather.<br /><hr /><div class="photo "><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424446597_wavierjetNOAA.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424446597_wavierjetNOAA.jpg" /></div><strong>Weird Winter Weather Plot Thickens As Arctic Swiftly Warms</strong>. For a few years now I've been describing what I perceive as changes in the configuration of the jet stream over North America. At first I thought I was hallucinating, but recent research seems to suggest that rapid warming of the Arctic may, in fact, be impacting the shape and persistence of upper level steering winds. Here's an excerpt of a post at The Conversation and <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/weird-winter-weather-plot-thickens-as-arctic-swiftly-warms/" href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/weird-winter-weather-plot-thickens-as-arctic-swiftly-warms/">Scientific American</a>: "...<em>Other&nbsp;<a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.pnas.org/content/111/34/12331.abstract" href="http://www.pnas.org/content/111/34/12331.abstract" target="_blank">studies</a>&nbsp;suggest that Arctic warming in summer leads to a split jet stream—or two separated rivers of wind—which tends to trap the waves. Those stationary waves cause weather conditions to remain “stuck” for long periods, increasing the likelihood of extreme heat waves, droughts and flooding events in Eurasia and North America. Our own new work,&nbsp;<a data-cke-saved-href="http://iopscience.iop.org/1748-9326/10/1/014005/article" href="http://iopscience.iop.org/1748-9326/10/1/014005/article" target="_blank">published</a>&nbsp;last month in Environmental Research Letters, uses a variety of new metrics to show that the jet stream is becoming wavier and that rapid Arctic warming is playing a role. If these results are confirmed, then we’ll see our weather patterns become more persistent</em>..." (Image credit: NOAA).<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 575px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424446781_1.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424446781_1.jpg" style="height: 226px; width: 575px;" /></div><strong>Evidence For A Wavier Jet Stream</strong>. A summary of Jennifer Francis's latest research is <a data-cke-saved-href="http://iopscience.iop.org/1748-9326/10/1/014005/article" href="http://iopscience.iop.org/1748-9326/10/1/014005/article">here</a>.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424491918_spark.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424491918_spark.jpg" style="height: 275px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Numbing Sunday.</strong> Tomorrow will bring back memories of the January we never really had. Under a cobalt-blue sky the mercury struggles to blip above zero as the wind chill dips to -20 or colder. It's unusually cold for late February, but hardly unprecedented. And the cold wave won't last long with a thaw Monday night into Tuesday before a (weaker) push of Canadian air arrives by midweek.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 494px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424491296_jet1.jpg" height="431" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424491296_jet1.jpg" width="494" /></div><strong>A Delayed Thaw?</strong> Yesterday guidance was suggesting 30s by the first week of March. The latest GFS model runs prolong the chill from the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes into New England into March 6-8, but milder Pacific air pushing into western Canada and the USA will eventually sweep in, probably second week of the month. Map: GrADS:COLA/IGES.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424491892_gfs.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424491892_gfs.jpg" style="height: 292px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>In Like A Caribou.</strong> Maybe I'm coffee-deprived, but March coming in like a lion just doesn't cut it. I still don't see any significant storm risk/opportunity for the next 2 weeks as prevailing jet stream winds blow from the west/northwest; any big storms sailing well south of Minnesota. Which has been the pattern for much of the winter, come to think of it.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 516px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424461528_2.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424461528_2.jpg" style="height: 572px; width: 516px;" /></div><strong>Meteorology Professor Explains Extreme Weather Pattern</strong>. Speaking of a "stuck" jet stream, <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.wgrz.com/story/news/local/buffalo/2015/02/20/meteorology-professor-explains-extreme-weather-pattern/23714379/" href="http://www.wgrz.com/story/news/local/buffalo/2015/02/20/meteorology-professor-explains-extreme-weather-pattern/23714379/">WGRZ.com</a> in Buffalo has a story explaining how another unusually persistent jet stream configuration is resulting in either record warmth + drought, or mega-blizzards and polar cold; here's an excerpt: "...<em>Professor Stephen Vermette coordinates the Meteorology and Climatology Program at SUNY Buffalo State. He says we can blame these extreme weather patterns on the jet stream. "It's been stuck in place and that's week after week after week, especially February we've been getting some very cold temperatures while places like Montana and Idaho and California, even Alaska, are getting much warmer temperatures," he says. Vermette says more than four-thousand warm temperature records have been set out west just this month alone. But on our side of the map, there have been about 250 cold temperature records set</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 390px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424450535_Boston2015MichaelDwyerAP.jpg" height="265" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424450535_Boston2015MichaelDwyerAP.jpg" width="390" /></div><strong>What Boston's Snow Crisis Can Teach Us About Solving Problems in New Ways</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://Imagine you’re the mayor of Boston. In the last 30 days, your city has seen a whopping 6 feet of snow. How many cubic feet of snow have actually fallen on your city, and where do you put it all? Answer: A little over 8 billion cubic feet of snow, and no darn idea." href="http://imagine%20you%e2%80%99re%20the%20mayor%20of%20boston.%20in%20the%20last%2030%20days,%20your%20city%20has%20seen%20a%20whopping%206%20feet%20of%20snow.%20how%20many%20cubic%20feet%20of%20snow%20have%20actually%20fallen%20on%20your%20city,%20and%20where%20do%20you%20put%20it%20all/?%20%20Answer:%20A%20little%20over%208%20billion%20cubic%20feet%20of%20snow,%20and%20no%20darn%20idea.">CityLab</a> has a fascinating article, including a few jaw-dropping statistics: "...<em>It’s like a math problem you got on a test as a kid, or a puzzle game for your iPhone</em>: <em>Imagine you’re the mayor of Boston. In the last 30 days, your city has seen a whopping 6 feet of snow. How many cubic feet of snow have actually fallen on your city, and where do you put it all? Answer: A little over 8 billion<strong> </strong>cubic feet of snow, and no darn idea.</em>.."<br /><br /><u>Photo credit</u> above: "<em>Heavy equipment works on a mound of snow that has been cleared from city streets at a "snow farm" in Boston, Monday, Feb. 16, 2015</em>." <span class="img-credit">(AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)</span>.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424451305_envious.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424451305_envious.jpg" style="height: 470px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Ironic Captions Encouraged</strong>. Thanks to <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.utsandiego.com/photos/galleries/sets/steve-breen/" href="http://www.utsandiego.com/photos/galleries/sets/steve-breen/">Steve Breen</a> at U-T San Diego for summarizing another all-or-nothing weather proposition.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424448766_10.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424448766_10.jpg" style="height: 427px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Second Warmest January On Record, Worldwide</strong>. NOAA NCDC has an <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/briefings/201502.pdf" href="http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/briefings/201502.pdf">interesting PDF</a> with highlights of January, and the winter, to date. Only January 2007 was warmer than last month.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424448779_11.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424448779_11.jpg" style="height: 406px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>A Tale of Extremes</strong>. California has been experiencing record warmth, while Boston is digging out from a near-record winter of snow, a parade of coastal storms since late January. I still suspect Minnesota's winter will be close to average overall, colder than average weather in November and February compensating for milder than normal weather in December and January.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424449396_20.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424449396_20.jpg" style="height: 443px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>2015 Picks Up Where 2014 Record Heat Left Off</strong>. Here's a snippet from a post at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/january-second-warmest-on-record-18685" href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/january-second-warmest-on-record-18685">Climate Central</a>: "...<em>All three agencies <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/a-broken-record-2014-hottest-year-18546" href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/a-broken-record-2014-hottest-year-18546">ranked 2014 as the warmest year</a> on record by a slim margin, driven by the accumulation of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Nine of the 10 hottest years on record have all occurred in the 21st century, with the exception of the blockbuster El Nino year of 1998. There <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/2014-set-for-record-hot-record-cold-thing-of-the-past-18360" href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/2014-set-for-record-hot-record-cold-thing-of-the-past-18360">hasn’t been a record cold year</a> set since 1911, while during the same period there have been 19 record-warm years, according to a Climate Central analysis</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424408387_10.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424408387_10.jpg" style="height: 327px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Boston's Billion Dollar Blizzard</strong>. Wait, people don't shop when there's 7-9 feet of snow on the ground? I had no idea. The impact on America's economy probably won't be as severe as last winter. Here's an excerpt of a post at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.pymnts.com/news/2015/bostons-billion-dollar-blizzard/#.VOYZuS6Lj9o" href="http://www.pymnts.com/news/2015/bostons-billion-dollar-blizzard/#.VOYZuS6Lj9o">PYMNTS.com</a>: "...<em>As further evidence to those who want to make the case of how bad this winter is, economic data suggest that this winter could cost the economy nearly $2 billion in lost GDP, according to research firm Planalytics — and winter has about a month more to go officially. This would be largely caused by retail losses from having to close because of weather conditions, re-routed travel patterns, public transportation that might not be running at full capacity until Easter, as well as other business headaches.</em>.."<br /><br /><u>Photo credit</u> above: "<em>As snow flurries begin to fall again, pedestrians walk through Boston City Hall Plaza in Boston, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015. Nearly 8 feet of snowfall this winter has paralyzed greater Boston's transit system, infuriating commuters on and off the rails who may not see a return to normal for at least a month</em>." (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424359760_ice1.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424359760_ice1.jpg" style="height: 490px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Second Greatest Great Lakes Ice Cover Since 1996</strong>. Number one was last year, with 92.5% coverage on March 6, 2014. According to <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.glerl.noaa.gov/data/ice/" href="http://www.glerl.noaa.gov/data/ice/">NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory</a> the current number stands at 85.4% ice covered, and with cold weather lingering into the end of next week I expect it to rise into the upper 80s, but probably not break the all-time record set in 1979.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424359773_icetrends.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424359773_icetrends.jpg" style="height: 284px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Icy Perspective</strong>. Great Lakes ice is a good proxy for the overall severity of a winter, since it factors duration of bitter cold necessary to form thick lake ice. Other cold years include 1979, 1994 and 2014. Source: NOAA.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 616px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424462012_cyclone.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424462012_cyclone.jpg" style="height: 344px; width: 616px;" /></div><strong>Cyclone Lam and Cyclone Marcia: Twin Severe Storms A First For Australia</strong>. Dueling cyclones - a bit unusual down under; here's a snippet from <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.smh.com.au/environment/weather/cyclone-lam-and-cyclone-marcia-twin-severe-storms-a-first-for-australia-20150220-13jycu.html" href="http://www.smh.com.au/environment/weather/cyclone-lam-and-cyclone-marcia-twin-severe-storms-a-first-for-australia-20150220-13jycu.html">Sydney Morning Herald</a>: "Australia's northern coasts are being battered by two severe tropical cyclones on Friday, the first time meteorologists have seen twin storms of such intensity making near-simultaneous landfall. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDD65011.shtml" href="http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDD65011.shtml">Cyclone Lam</a> crossed the Northern Territory coast about 20 kilometres east of the town of Milingimbi as a category 4 cyclone overnight, knocking out two wind monitors in the process. It has been downgraded to a category 3 as the storm moves inland..." (NASA).<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 570px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424367096_hsb1v.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424367096_hsb1v.gif" style="height: 320px; width: 570px;" /></div><strong>Why Can You Fly Into A Hurricane, But Not A Thunderstorm?</strong> Hurricane winds gradually build over time, but violent updrafts and downdrafts, along with severe icing and hail over a short distance can increase the stress - and risk - to aircraft. Here's an excerpt of a good explanation at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/18/fly-into-hurricane-thunderstorm-video_n_6702996.html" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/18/fly-into-hurricane-thunderstorm-video_n_6702996.html">Huffington Post</a>: "...<em>In short, it all boils down to the type of wind pilots face in either scenario. In the case of a hurricane, a pilot navigates through a “stratified area of horizontal winds,” which allows for a relatively smooth ride. Pilots flying in a thunderstorm, on the other hand, are faced with “strong vertical winds,” going upward and downward, which can cause turbulence and other issues. Just check out a new video (above) from The Weather Channel, which explains the <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7CQaDEKbBU" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7CQaDEKbBU" target="_hplink">difference between flying in the two weather conditions</a></em>...."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 470px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424452995_rockets.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424452995_rockets.jpg" style="height: 259px; width: 470px;" /></div><strong>Rocket Flown Through Northern Lights To Help Unlock Space Weather Mysteries</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.gizmag.com/rocket-to-fly-through-northern-lights-to-help-predict-space-weather/36139/?utm_source=Gizmag+Subscribers&amp;utm_campaign=a3b8224598-UA-2235360-4&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_65b67362bd-a3b8224598-89969994" href="http://www.gizmag.com/rocket-to-fly-through-northern-lights-to-help-predict-space-weather/36139/?utm_source=Gizmag+Subscribers&amp;utm_campaign=a3b8224598-UA-2235360-4&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_65b67362bd-a3b8224598-89969994">Gizmag</a> has the story; here's the introduction: "<em>The northern lights are more than one of nature's most awe inspiring sights, they are an electromagnetic phenomena that can adversely affect power grids and communications and navigation systems. Researchers from the University of Oslo have flown a rocket through the phenomena to take a closer look with the aim of gathering data that will help in predicting space weather</em>..."<br /><br /><u>Image credit</u> above: "<em>Artist's depiction of the ICI-4 rocket which launched today</em>." (Image: Trond Abrahamsen, Andøya Space Center).<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 463px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424453118_apple.jpg" height="279" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424453118_apple.jpg" width="463" /></div><strong>Apple Wants To Start Producing Cars As Soon As 2020</strong>. Will they buy Tesla to jump-start their development efforts? It's no longer about digital devices, soon it will be a digital lifestyle, including new transportation options. Here's a clip from a story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-19/apple-said-to-be-targeting-car-production-as-soon-as-2020" href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-19/apple-said-to-be-targeting-car-production-as-soon-as-2020">Bloomberg Business</a>: "...<em>Tesla’s success in creating a startup car company has shown that the traditional barriers of entry into the auto industry aren’t as difficult to overcome as originally thought, said one person, who asked not to be identified because the matter is private. At the same time, automakers have struggled to bring technical leaps to car development, something that Silicon Valley is also seeking to accomplish. For example, Google Inc. has invested in developing an autonomous vehicle since 2010</em>..." (Image courtesy of <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.ijailbreak.com/news/new-rumor-apple-working-on-car/" href="http://www.ijailbreak.com/news/new-rumor-apple-working-on-car/">iJailbreak</a>).<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 335px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424453329_coffee.jpg" height="226" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424453329_coffee.jpg" width="335" /></div><strong>Coffee's Good For You!</strong> No, really. And if you don't believe the headline check out the story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-19/coffee-s-great-u-s-panel-says-in-official-diet-recommendations" href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-19/coffee-s-great-u-s-panel-says-in-official-diet-recommendations">Bloomberg</a>; here's an excerpt: "<em>A couple of grandes a day may keep the doctor away, according to a panel of government-appointed scientists charged with proposing changes to U.S. dietary guidelines. Just go easy on the sugar. Three to five daily cups of coffee aren’t associated with long-term health risks, the panel said in a report Thursday, and correlate with reduced risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The panel helps the U.S. government formulate dietary suggestions, guidelines that affect millions of American diets</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424450767_icevolcano.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424450767_icevolcano.jpg" style="height: 352px; width: 630px;" /></div><div class="paragraph" data-pnum="2"><strong>"Ice Volcano" Forms At Geyser In Upstate New York Park</strong>. I've heard of strange terms thrown around, but this is a new one. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Ice-Volcano-Upstate-New-York-Park-Letchworth-State-Park-292682571.html" href="http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Ice-Volcano-Upstate-New-York-Park-Letchworth-State-Park-292682571.html">NBC New York</a> has the video and story; here's an excerpt: "...<em>The arctic conditions have turned a geyser at a state park in upstate New York into a five-story-tall "ice volcano." The geyser is in a pond near the Glen Iris Inn at Letchworth State Park, which straddles the Wyoming-Livingston county line 40 miles south of Rochester. Days of subzero temperatures have formed a solid cone of ice several feet thick with water still spouting out of the top</em>..."</div><div class="paragraph" data-pnum="2"><br /></div><div class="paragraph" data-pnum="2"><u>Image credit</u> above: "<em>Cold temperatures have transformed a geyser in western New York into an "ice volcano</em>." (Published Thursday, Feb 19, 2015).</div><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 394px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424471230_MoonHaloMichaelHainesseMichigan.jpg" height="262" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424471230_MoonHaloMichaelHainesseMichigan.jpg" width="394" /></div><br /><strong>TODAY</strong>: Mostly cloudy, turning colder. Winds: NW 15. High: 19<br /><strong>SATURDAY NIGHT</strong>: Clearing, plenty cold. Low: -8<br /><strong>SUNDAY</strong>: Cold blue sky. Groundhog was right. Windchill near -20. High: 3<br />MONDAY: Cold start. Breezy, turning milder with increasing clouds. Wake-up: -9. High: 21<br />TUESDAY: Mild start, cooling down late. Wake-up: 20. High: 33 (falling by afternoon)<br />WEDNESDAY: Partly sunny. No relief yet. Wake-up: 7. High: 15<br />THURSDAY: Really enjoying February! Some sun. Wake-up: -1. High: 14<br />FRIDAY: Sunny intervals, light winds. Wake-up: 1. High: 20<br /><br /><hr /><strong>Climate Stories....</strong><br /><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 585px;"><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424446886_jen.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424446886_jen.jpg" style="height: 585px; width: 585px;" /> </strong></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><strong>Globola. </strong>If it had a scarier name than climate change would we still be sitting on our hands and "debating" the science? Maybe not. Who knows. But Jen Sorensen nails it in <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.gocomics.com/jen-sorensen/2014/10/21" href="http://www.gocomics.com/jen-sorensen/2014/10/21">this comic</a>.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 419px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424465873_3.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424465873_3.jpg" style="height: 346px; width: 419px;" /></div><strong>6 in 10 Americans Have Given Climate Change and Health "No Thought".</strong> Here's the intro to a story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.weather.com/health/news/climate-change-health-impacts-report" href="http://www.weather.com/health/news/climate-change-health-impacts-report">weather.com</a>: "Has climate change affected your area? You might not think it, but the answer is yes. "<em>Every American, whether they know it or not, has been affected by climate change," &nbsp;Edward Maibach, the director of George Mason University's Center for Climate Change Communication, told weather.com. One of the most prominent ways it is already impacting the U.S. is through health. But most Americans have no concept of the complex intersection between their health and the environment, a report, "<a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.climatechangecommunication.org/sites/default/files/reports/Global-Warming-Public-Health-October%202014%20FINAL.pdf" href="http://www.climatechangecommunication.org/sites/default/files/reports/Global-Warming-Public-Health-October%202014%20FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">Public Perceptions of the Health&nbsp;Consequences of Global Warming</a>," published in October 2014, indicated</em>..."<br /><hr /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424465945_sunset8 (2).jpg" height="281" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424465945_sunset8%20%282%29.jpg" width="298" /><br /><div class="story-body-text" itemprop="articleBody"><strong>What If We Lost The Sky?</strong> If it ever gets to the point where we need to take drastic action, ie "geoengineering", or pumping chemicals into the stratosphere to try and cool the Earth, other things may be lost, things we tend to take for granted, like blue sky and starry nights. Here's a clip from an Op-Ed at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://op-talk.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/20/what-if-we-lost-the-sky/?emc=edit_tnt_20150220&amp;nlid=6274831&amp;tntemail0=y&amp;_r=0" href="http://op-talk.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/02/20/what-if-we-lost-the-sky/?emc=edit_tnt_20150220&amp;nlid=6274831&amp;tntemail0=y&amp;_r=0">The New York Times</a>: "...<em>If we lose the night sky, he said, “we lose something precious and sacred.” He believes whitening the daytime sky might result in&nbsp;“that same loss of the sense of what’s vast,” a sense his team’s research suggests is “one of the most important things that people build into their lives</em>...”</div><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 380px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424449534_21.jpg" height="215" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424449534_21.jpg" width="380" /></div><strong>Fight Climate Change, Make Money</strong>. So says Virgin founder Richard Branson in an Op-Ed at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/19/opinion/branson-polman-climate-business" href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/19/opinion/branson-polman-climate-business">CNN</a>; here's a clip: "...<em>Codifying this goal into the international agreement that's taking shape would send the strongest possible market signal that there's money to be made in taking climate change seriously. A net zero position allows business leaders to take short-term action and make long-term plans to develop profitable ways to be competitive, even as they limit emissions, increase efficiency and find strategies to offset the remaining emissions that can't be avoided</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424358499_navy.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424358499_navy.jpg" style="height: 227px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>The Pentagon and Climate Change: How Deniers Put National Security At Risk. </strong>The Navy is no longer "debating" climate change - they can already see it in their installations and ports around the world. Here's a clip of an important story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/the-pentagon-climate-change-how-climate-deniers-put-national-security-at-risk-20150212" href="http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/the-pentagon-climate-change-how-climate-deniers-put-national-security-at-risk-20150212">RollingStone</a>: "...<em>Rear Adm. Jonathan White, the Navy's chief oceanographer and head of its climate-change task force, is one of the most knowledgeable people in the military about what's actually happening on our rapidly heating planet. Whenever another officer or a congressperson corners White and presses him about why he spends so much time thinking about climate change, he doesn't even try to explain thermal expansion of the oceans or ice dynamics in the Arctic. "I just take them down to Norfolk," White says. "When you see what's going on down there, it gives you a sense of what climate change means to the Navy —&nbsp;and to America. And you can see why we're concerned</em>..."<br /><br /><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><u>Image credit</u> above: <span class="credit">Matt Mahurin.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><hr /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424358672_2.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424358672_2.jpg" style="height: 254px; width: 630px;" /></div></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><a class="_58cn" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/climatechange?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=10153089587818007" data-ft="{&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;*N&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/climatechange?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=10153089587818007"><span class="_58cl">#‎</span><span class="_58cm">ClimateChange‬</span></a> is not only a threat to the <a class="_58cn" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/environment?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=10153089587818007" data-ft="{&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;*N&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/environment?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=10153089587818007"><span class="_58cl">‪#‎</span><span class="_58cm">environment‬</span></a> but a threat to our national security. Coastal military bases and <a class="profileLink" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.facebook.com/USNavy" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=74281347822" href="https://www.facebook.com/USNavy">U.S. Navy</a> missions on seas are at risk. <a class="_58cn" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/military?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=10153089587818007" data-ft="{&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;*N&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/military?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=10153089587818007"><span class="_58cl">‪#‎</span><span class="_58cm">Military‬</span></a> readiness could be compromised by these <a class="_58cn" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/environmental?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=10153089587818007" data-ft="{&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;*N&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/environmental?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=10153089587818007"><span class="_58cl">‪#‎</span><span class="_58cm">environmental‬</span></a> changes. Read about the challenges the Pentagon faces posed by a changing <a class="_58cn" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/climate?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=10153089587818007" data-ft="{&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;*N&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/climate?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=10153089587818007"><span class="_58cl">‪#‎</span><span class="_58cm">climate‬</span></a>. Post courtesy of Facebook and the <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.facebook.com/NavalEnergy" href="https://www.facebook.com/NavalEnergy">Department of the Navy Task Force Energy</a>.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><hr /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424358960_arcticiceJeremyPotterNOAA OAR OER.jpg" height="289" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424358960_arcticiceJeremyPotterNOAA%20OAR%20OER.jpg" width="436" /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><strong>Sea Ice Still Declining, Despite Antarctica's Gains</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/sea-ice-declines-globally-despite-antarctica-gains-18680" href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/sea-ice-declines-globally-despite-antarctica-gains-18680">Climate Central</a> takes a look the global trends; here's a clip: "...<em>That decline was also seen in every calendar month, with the largest decline — of about 26,000 square miles per year — not surprisingly in September, when the Arctic hits its <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/2014-arctic-sea-ice-extent-18039" href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/2014-arctic-sea-ice-extent-18039">annual summer minimum</a>. The data shows the cycle of warming and melting is self-reinforcing, causing the global decline to accelerate. The ice has melted twice as fast from 1996 to the present as it did from 1979 to 1996.</em>..."</div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><u>Photo credit</u> above: "<span class="imgleft" style="width: 720px;"><em>Sea ice and meltwater ponds in the Arctic, as seen from the USCG Icebreaker Healy</em>." Credit:&nbsp;<a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51647007@N08/5036392751/" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51647007@N08/5036392751/">Jeremy Potter NOAA/OAR/OER.</a></span></div>Paul Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119711149976645625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575361857149684460.post-88719862411490249482015-02-19T23:53:00.000-06:002015-02-19T23:53:01.091-06:00Clipped Again - How Climate Deniers Put National Security At Risk<br /><strong>-11 F</strong>. morning low Thursday.<br /><strong>9 F</strong>. high yesterday in the Twin Cities.<br /><strong>30 F</strong>. average high on February 19.<br /><strong>40 F</strong>. high on February 19, 2014.<br /><br /><strong>1" snow</strong> on the ground at KMSP.<br /><b><span style="color: #660000;">February 19, 1981</span></b>: Due to the long spell of warm weather in the 60's, a farmer near Le Center is plowing some alfalfa ground.<br /><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 413px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424410538_AKsnow.jpg" height="213" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424410538_AKsnow.jpg" width="413" /></div><br /><strong>The End Is Near</strong><br /><br />"Too cold to snow?" Although it can snow at any temperature below freezing there's some truth to this old husband's tale. Heaviest snows fall with an air temperature between 28-32F; when steering winds aloft are howling from Albuquerque, allowing Gulf moisture to bubble northward into Minnesota.<br /><br />When it's this cold the storm track is depressed too far south for heavy snow close to home. Yes, Nashville and Louisville have seen far more snow this month than the Twin Cities.<br /><br />February is running about 6F colder than average, to date. That compares with 12.3F colder in February, 2014, which was a 3-way tie for the 7th coldest February on record. Got that?<br /><br />The sun is as high in the sky as it was on October 20. It's much harder to stay below zero or set record lows as we sail into March, and I still see a welcome thaw within 2 weeks as Pacific air pushes inland. In the meantime the mercury dips below zero 3-4 mornings next week, before a slow recovery in early March. Moderate cold, but nothing too outrageous for late February.<br /><br />Today's clipper may drop a quick coating to an inch of fluff; just enough to trigger a messy, white-knuckle commute early. But I now see a light at the end of the tunnel.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424409857_animationT.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424409857_animationT.gif" style="height: 402px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Purple Invasion</strong>. When I think purple Prince comes to mind - along with squeaky snow and ice crystals up my nose. Purple (on this animation) signifies subzero air - another pulse of purple pain arrives by Sunday and Monday, a quick thaw next Tuesday gives way to another shot of numb the middle of next week. 2-meter temperature animation: NOAA and Ham Weather.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424409965_spark.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424409965_spark.jpg" style="height: 272px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>A Respectably Cold February.</strong> We'll probably wind up 7-8F colder than average for February, compared to 12.3F colder than average during February of 2014. Plenty cold, but not polar-vortex-cold. The best chance of subzero mornings: Sunday, Monday and next Friday mornings. You'll be shocked to hear that it won't snow (much) looking out 7-10 days. Graphic: Weatherspark.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424410103_gfs.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424410103_gfs.jpg" style="height: 293px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Reason To Keep On Going</strong>. GFS guidance shows consistent 30s by March 3-4 as the pattern finally shifts and becomes more zonal. March tournament snowstorms? I don't see anything dramatic into at least the first week of March.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 496px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424409826_jet1.jpg" height="387" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424409826_jet1.jpg" width="496" /></div><strong>Pattern Shift</strong>. GFS model guidance from NOAA shows 500 mb winds blowing from the Bay Area and Seattle by March 5, pumping Pacific air across the Rockies and Plains into Minnesota as the core of coldest air finally lifts north. At some point the shift to a milder pattern may increase the chance of Gulf moisture reaching Minnesota - the question is: will it be too warm for all snow by then? Map: GrADS:COLA/IGES.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424408387_10.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424408387_10.jpg" style="height: 327px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Boston's Billion Dollar Blizzard</strong>. Wait, people don't like to shop when there's 7-9 feet of snow on the ground? I had no idea. The impact on America's economy probably won't be as severe as last winter. Here's an excerpt of a post at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.pymnts.com/news/2015/bostons-billion-dollar-blizzard/#.VOYZuS6Lj9o" href="http://www.pymnts.com/news/2015/bostons-billion-dollar-blizzard/#.VOYZuS6Lj9o">PYMNTS.com</a>: "...<em>As further evidence to those who want to make the case of how bad this winter is, economic data suggest that this winter could cost the economy nearly $2 billion in lost GDP, according to research firm Planalytics — and winter has about a month more to go officially. This would be largely caused by retail losses from having to close because of weather conditions, re-routed travel patterns, public transportation that might not be running at full capacity until Easter, as well as other business headaches.</em>.."<br /><br /><u>Photo credit</u> above: "<em>As snow flurries begin to fall again, pedestrians walk through Boston City Hall Plaza in Boston, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015. Nearly 8 feet of snowfall this winter has paralyzed greater Boston's transit system, infuriating commuters on and off the rails who may not see a return to normal for at least a month</em>." (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424359760_ice1.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424359760_ice1.jpg" style="height: 490px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Second Greatest Great Lakes Ice Cover Since 1996</strong>. Number one was last year, with 92.5% coverage on March 6, 2014. According to <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.glerl.noaa.gov/data/ice/" href="http://www.glerl.noaa.gov/data/ice/">NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory</a> the current number stands at 85.4% ice covered, and with cold weather lingering into the end of next week I expect it to rise into the upper 80s, but probably not break the all-time record set in 1979.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424359773_icetrends.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424359773_icetrends.jpg" style="height: 284px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Icy Perspective</strong>. Great Lakes ice is a good proxy for the overall severity of a winter, since it factors duration of bitter cold necessary to form thick lake ice. Other cold years include 1979, 1994 and 2014. Source: NOAA.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 570px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424367096_hsb1v.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424367096_hsb1v.gif" style="height: 320px; width: 570px;" /></div><strong>Why Can You Fly Into A Hurricane, But Not A Thunderstorm?</strong> Hurricane winds gradually build over time, but violent updrafts and downdrafts, along with severe icing and hail over a short distance can increase the stress - and risk - to aircraft. Here's an excerpt of a good explanation at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/18/fly-into-hurricane-thunderstorm-video_n_6702996.html" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/18/fly-into-hurricane-thunderstorm-video_n_6702996.html">Huffington Post</a>: "...<em>In short, it all boils down to the type of wind pilots face in either scenario. In the case of a hurricane, a pilot navigates through a “stratified area of horizontal winds,” which allows for a relatively smooth ride. Pilots flying in a thunderstorm, on the other hand, are faced with “strong vertical winds,” going upward and downward, which can cause turbulence and other issues. Just check out a new video (above) from The Weather Channel, which explains the <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7CQaDEKbBU" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7CQaDEKbBU" target="_hplink">difference between flying in the two weather conditions</a></em>...."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424273352_4.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424273352_4.jpg" style="height: 320px; width: 630px;" /></div><div class="paragraph" data-pnum="4"><strong>Stay Safe On Slippery Sidewalks: Walk Like a Penguin</strong>. Speaking of ice, <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Stay-Safe-on-Slippery-Sidewalks--289900441.html?_osource=SocialFlowTwt_PHBrand" href="http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Stay-Safe-on-Slippery-Sidewalks--289900441.html?_osource=SocialFlowTwt_PHBrand">NBC Philadelphia</a> has some good advice; here's the intro to the story: "...<em>The trick to balancing on slick sidewalks is to “walk like a penguin." At least, that’s the advice coming out of <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.littlebabysicecream.com/how-to-walk-on-ice/" href="http://www.littlebabysicecream.com/how-to-walk-on-ice/" target="_blank">Little Baby’s Ice Cream</a> in Northern Liberties. Instinct tells us to do the opposite and center our weight mid-stride, which works on dry walkways. However this tactic forces legs to split your body weight in half and rely on both feet to maintain balance -- not the best idea for icy streets</em>..."</div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><hr /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div class="photo " style="width: 254px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424315955_tesla1.jpg" height="254" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424315955_tesla1.jpg" width="254" /></div></div><strong>Why Tesla's Battery For Your Home Should Terrify Utilities.</strong> Free power from the sun, powering your home? The concept may not be as outrageous as it sounds, according to a story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.theverge.com/2015/2/13/8033691/why-teslas-battery-for-your-home-should-terrify-utilities" href="http://www.theverge.com/2015/2/13/8033691/why-teslas-battery-for-your-home-should-terrify-utilities">The Verge</a>; here's a snippet: "...<em>The prospect of cheap solar panels combined with powerful batteries has been a source of significant anxiety in the utility sector. In 2013, the Edison Electric Institute, the trade group for investor-owned electric companies, <a data-cke-saved-href="http://grist.org/climate-energy/solar-panels-could-destroy-u-s-utilities-according-to-u-s-utilities/" href="http://grist.org/climate-energy/solar-panels-could-destroy-u-s-utilities-according-to-u-s-utilities/" target="new">issued a report</a> warning that disruption was coming. "One can imagine a day when battery storage technology or micro turbines could allow customers to be electric grid independent," the report said, likening the speed of the coming transition to the one from landlines to cellphones 10 years ago. Suddenly regulated monopolies are finding themselves in competition with their own customers.</em>.."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424271787_1.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424271787_1.jpg" style="height: 313px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Our Fear of Artificial Intelligence.</strong> Are our fears overblown? Here's an excerpt from a long but excellent read at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.technologyreview.com/review/534871/our-fear-of-artificial-intelligence/" href="http://www.technologyreview.com/review/534871/our-fear-of-artificial-intelligence/">MIT Technology Review</a>: "...<em>No one is suggesting that anything like superintelligence exists now. In fact, we still have nothing approaching a general-purpose artificial intelligence or even a clear path to how it could be achieved. Recent advances in AI, from automated assistants such as Apple’s Siri to Google’s driverless cars, also reveal the technology’s severe limitations; both can be thrown off by situations that they haven’t encountered before. Artificial neural networks can learn for themselves to <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.technologyreview.com/news/523181/an-ai-chip-to-help-computers-understand-images/" href="http://www.technologyreview.com/news/523181/an-ai-chip-to-help-computers-understand-images/" target="_blank">recognize cats in photos</a>. But they must be shown hundreds of thousands of examples and still end up much less accurate at spotting cats than a child</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 412px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424357702_1.jpg" height="402" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424357702_1.jpg" width="412" /></div><strong>What Are The Happiest, Healthiest States in the USA?</strong> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/02/19/gallup-west-virginia-well-being-index-alaska/23608805/?ncid=newsltushpmg00000003" href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/02/19/gallup-west-virginia-well-being-index-alaska/23608805/?ncid=newsltushpmg00000003">USA TODAY</a> has a recap of a recent study from <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.well-beingindex.com/2014-state-rankings" href="http://www.well-beingindex.com/2014-state-rankings">Gallup</a>; here's an excerpt: "<em>When it comes to well-being, Alaskans nabbed the top spot in the United States, according to an annual ranking. West Virginia, however, came in dead last for the sixth time in six years, according to the <span><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.well-beingindex.com/2014-state-rankings" href="http://www.well-beingindex.com/2014-state-rankings" title="http://www.well-beingindex.com/2014-state-rankings">Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index</a>.&nbsp; </span></em><span><span><em>Hawaii and South Dakota followed Alaska in spots two and three. And Kentucky stayed in the 49th spot, where it's been for a number of years</em>.</span></span>.."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424359657_4.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424359657_4.jpg" style="height: 295px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>10 Fabulously Quirky Restaurants</strong>. My goal is to try a few of these (unique) restaurants featured at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/TripNews-a_ctr.unusualrestaurantsEN" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/TripNews-a_ctr.unusualrestaurantsEN">Trip Advisor</a>. Wow.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 423px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424410708_polarbearchase.png" height="280" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424410708_polarbearchase.png" width="423" /></div><br />TODAY: Light snow and flurries. Coating to half an inch of accumulation. Slick early. Winds: S 15. High: 28<br /><strong>FRIDAY NIGHT</strong>: Flurries taper. Low: 18<br /><strong>SATURDAY</strong>: More clouds than sun, turning colder. High: 21<br /><strong>SUNDAY</strong>: Fresh air! Sunny and cold. Feels like -20F. Wake-up: -7. High: 4<br />MONDAY: Breezy and milder with patchy clouds. Wake-up: -8. High: 24<br />TUESDAY: Cloud cluttered. Falling temperatures. Wake-up: 25. High: 27 (quickly falling into the teens)<br />WEDNESDAY: Less wind. Clouds increase late. Wake-up: 2. High: 14<br />THURSDAY: No warm front yet. Blue sky. Wake-up: -1. High: 7<br /><br /><hr /><strong>Climate Stories....</strong><br /><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424358499_navy.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424358499_navy.jpg" style="height: 227px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>The Pentagon and Climate Change: How Deniers Put National Security At Risk. </strong>The Navy is no longer "debating" climate change - they can already see it in their installations and ports around the world. Here's a clip of an important story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/the-pentagon-climate-change-how-climate-deniers-put-national-security-at-risk-20150212" href="http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/the-pentagon-climate-change-how-climate-deniers-put-national-security-at-risk-20150212">RollingStone</a>: "...<em>Rear Adm. Jonathan White, the Navy's chief oceanographer and head of its climate-change task force, is one of the most knowledgeable people in the military about what's actually happening on our rapidly heating planet. Whenever another officer or a congressperson corners White and presses him about why he spends so much time thinking about climate change, he doesn't even try to explain thermal expansion of the oceans or ice dynamics in the Arctic. "I just take them down to Norfolk," White says. "When you see what's going on down there, it gives you a sense of what climate change means to the Navy —&nbsp;and to America. And you can see why we're concerned</em>..."<br /><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><u>Image credit</u> above: <span class="credit">Matt Mahurin.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><hr /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424358672_2.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424358672_2.jpg" style="height: 254px; width: 630px;" /></div></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><a class="_58cn" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/climatechange?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=10153089587818007" data-ft="{&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;*N&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/climatechange?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=10153089587818007"><span class="_58cl">#‎</span><span class="_58cm">ClimateChange‬</span></a> is not only a threat to the <a class="_58cn" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/environment?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=10153089587818007" data-ft="{&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;*N&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/environment?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=10153089587818007"><span class="_58cl">‪#‎</span><span class="_58cm">environment‬</span></a> but a threat to our national security. Coastal military bases and <a class="profileLink" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.facebook.com/USNavy" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=74281347822" href="https://www.facebook.com/USNavy">U.S. Navy</a> missions on seas are at risk. <a class="_58cn" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/military?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=10153089587818007" data-ft="{&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;*N&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/military?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=10153089587818007"><span class="_58cl">‪#‎</span><span class="_58cm">Military‬</span></a> readiness could be compromised by these <a class="_58cn" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/environmental?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=10153089587818007" data-ft="{&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;*N&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/environmental?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=10153089587818007"><span class="_58cl">‪#‎</span><span class="_58cm">environmental‬</span></a> changes. Read about the challenges the Pentagon faces posed by a changing <a class="_58cn" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/climate?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=10153089587818007" data-ft="{&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;*N&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/climate?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=10153089587818007"><span class="_58cl">‪#‎</span><span class="_58cm">climate‬</span></a>. Post courtesy of Facebook and the <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.facebook.com/NavalEnergy" href="https://www.facebook.com/NavalEnergy">Department of the Navy Task Force Energy</a>.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><hr /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424358960_arcticiceJeremyPotterNOAA OAR OER.jpg" height="289" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424358960_arcticiceJeremyPotterNOAA%20OAR%20OER.jpg" width="436" /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><strong>Sea Ice Still Declining, Despite Antarctica's Gains</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/sea-ice-declines-globally-despite-antarctica-gains-18680" href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/sea-ice-declines-globally-despite-antarctica-gains-18680">Climate Central</a> takes a look the global trends; here's a clip: "...<em>That decline was also seen in every calendar month, with the largest decline — of about 26,000 square miles per year — not surprisingly in September, when the Arctic hits its <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/2014-arctic-sea-ice-extent-18039" href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/2014-arctic-sea-ice-extent-18039">annual summer minimum</a>. The data shows the cycle of warming and melting is self-reinforcing, causing the global decline to accelerate. The ice has melted twice as fast from 1996 to the present as it did from 1979 to 1996.</em>..."</div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><u>Photo credit</u> above: "<span class="imgleft" style="width: 720px;"><em>Sea ice and meltwater ponds in the Arctic, as seen from the USCG Icebreaker Healy</em>." Credit:&nbsp;<a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51647007@N08/5036392751/" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51647007@N08/5036392751/">Jeremy Potter NOAA/OAR/OER.</a></span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><hr /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div class="photo " style="width: 377px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424410786_drought7.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424410786_drought7.jpg" style="height: 260px; width: 377px;" /></div></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><strong>Should Journalists Become Climate Change Campaigners?</strong> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.rtcc.org/2015/02/18/should-journalists-become-climate-change-campaigners/" href="http://www.rtcc.org/2015/02/18/should-journalists-become-climate-change-campaigners/">RTCC</a> asks the provocative question; here's an excerpt that got my attention: "...<em>So what's a journalist to do? This is an incredibly tough issue to grasp precisely because the stakes are so high, not just for the world but also the economic growth of nearly 200 countries. If scientists are right, then the world has around 30 years of business as usual emissions before long term warming of above 2C is locked into the system. Then it's likely to be a case of how high is your seawall</em>..."<br /><div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">So what’s a journalist to do?<br />This is an incredibly tough issue to grasp precisely because the stakes are so high, not just for the world but also the economic growth of nearly 200 countries.<br />If scientists are right, then the world has around 30 years of business as usual emissions before long term warming of above 2C is locked into the system.<br />Then it’s likely to be a case of how high is your seawall.<br />- See more at: http://www.rtcc.org/2015/02/18/should-journalists-become-climate-change-campaigners/#sthash.m2qMkGdw.dpuf</div></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><hr /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div class="photo " style="width: 352px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424410868_heat-wave-100707-02.jpg" height="205" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424410868_heat-wave-100707-02.jpg" width="352" /></div></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><strong>Cooling Down Cities Could Make A Big Difference To Global Warming</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.citymetric.com/horizons/cooling-down-cities-could-make-big-difference-global-warming-746" href="http://www.citymetric.com/horizons/cooling-down-cities-could-make-big-difference-global-warming-746">CityMetric</a> has an interesting article with ways that hot urban areas can cool down, naturally. Here's an excerpt: "...<em>With care and attention to detail, built-up areas can combine good shading with generous urban vegetation to cool neighbourhoods to temperatures that are even below those of rural areas. This is good news given the continued acceleration of urban growth in many tropical cities and rising concentrations of people. And even a couple of degrees' difference can make a city unbearable in an area that is already hot</em>..."</div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><hr /></div><div class="photo " style="width: 311px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424411015_cropsShutterstock.jpg" height="172" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424411015_cropsShutterstock.jpg" width="311" /></div><strong>Kansas Farmer Talks About Climate Change and Wheat Production. </strong><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.kwch.com/news/local-news/kansas-farmer-talks-about-climate-change-and-wheat-production/31342706" href="http://www.kwch.com/news/local-news/kansas-farmer-talks-about-climate-change-and-wheat-production/31342706">KWCH.com</a> in Wichita has the article; here's a clip: "...<em>Knopf says there is no one answer, but making crops like wheat more resilient against harsh weather is a step in the right direction. "Building healthier soils through a no-till production system, so we are not tilling our soils, so we are leaving a residue on top of the soil to protect the soil resource which is so important to us as a farmer." He says the community wouldn't see an immediate impact like at your local grocery store, but it's concerning</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 357px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424300868_7.jpg" height="231" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424300868_7.jpg" width="357" /></div><strong>NASA Study Predicts Devastating Droughts During The Last Half of the Century.</strong> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.gizmag.com/nasa-drought-study-united-states/36128/?utm_source=Gizmag+Subscribers&amp;utm_campaign=9a2fc40689-UA-2235360-4&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_65b67362bd-9a2fc40689-89969994" href="http://www.gizmag.com/nasa-drought-study-united-states/36128/?utm_source=Gizmag+Subscribers&amp;utm_campaign=9a2fc40689-UA-2235360-4&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_65b67362bd-9a2fc40689-89969994">Gizmag</a> has a good summary of recent news coming out of NASA; here's the intro: "<em>A new NASA study is predicting the occurrence of severe "megadroughts" across the United States in the second half of this century, that are set to be more extreme and prolonged than any droughts that have taken place in the region for the past 1,000 years. According to the study, one of the key driving forces behind the devastating droughts will be the prolific creation of human-produced greenhouse gasses. The study made use of several climate models including one spearheaded by NASA, and is the first of its kind to use historical data stretching back as far as 1,000 years</em>..."<br /><br /><u>Image credit</u> above: "<em>30-cm (11.8-in)-deep moisture projection based on NASA's high carbon emission scenario in the year 2095</em>." (Image: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center).<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 119px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424307594_bp.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424307594_bp.jpg" style="height: 90px; width: 119px;" /></div><strong>BP's Two-Word Fix For Global Climate Change</strong>. A tip of the hat to BP for acknowledging the elephant in the living room, and proposing the same market-based solution many others are advocating. Here's an excerpt of a good summary at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Energy-Voices/2015/0217/BP-s-two-word-fix-for-global-climate-change" href="http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Energy-Voices/2015/0217/BP-s-two-word-fix-for-global-climate-change">Christian Science Monitor</a>: "...<em>In its report, BP lays out a variety of ways policymakers and businesses could prevent that from happening, including boosting renewable energy production, limiting carbon-heavy coal use, and making energy systems more efficient. It concludes that no one approach will be enough to meet emissions reductions goals, but offers a simple idea that would help guide efforts: carbon pricing</em>..."<br /><br />* BP's official statement is <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bp.com/en/global/corporate/press/press-releases/bp-energy-outlook-2035.html" href="http://www.bp.com/en/global/corporate/press/press-releases/bp-energy-outlook-2035.html">here</a>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/11417968/BP-says-CO2-emissions-unsustainable-warns-on-global-warming.html?utm_source=Daily+Carbon+Briefing&amp;utm_campaign=75983c3c04-cb_daily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_876aab4fd7-75983c3c04-303421297" href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/11417968/BP-says-CO2-emissions-unsustainable-warns-on-global-warming.html?utm_source=Daily+Carbon+Briefing&amp;utm_campaign=75983c3c04-cb_daily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_876aab4fd7-75983c3c04-303421297">The Telegraph</a> has more on BP's prediction that CO2 emissions will exceed levels which pose a threat unless coordinated action is taken.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 188px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424316166_geoengineeringCLIMATE.jpg" height="188" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424316166_geoengineeringCLIMATE.jpg" width="188" /></div><strong>The Risks of Climate Engineering</strong>. Here's a clip from a <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/12/opinion/the-risks-of-climate-engineering.html?emc=edit_tnt_20150212&amp;nlid=6274831&amp;tntemail0=y&amp;_r=0" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/12/opinion/the-risks-of-climate-engineering.html?emc=edit_tnt_20150212&amp;nlid=6274831&amp;tntemail0=y&amp;_r=0">New York Times article</a>: "...<em>Beneath the identifiable risks is not only a gut reaction to the hubris of it all — the idea that humans could set out to regulate the Earth system, perhaps in perpetuity — but also to what it says about where we are today. As the committee’s chairwoman, Marcia McNutt, told The Associated Press: The public should read this report “and say, ‘This is downright scary.’ And they should say, ‘If this is our Hail Mary, what a scary, scary place we are in</em>...."Paul Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119711149976645625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575361857149684460.post-35993401679683628182015-02-18T21:42:00.001-06:002015-02-18T21:42:40.986-06:00Friday Clipper - BP Suggests Tax on Carbon <strong>-9 F</strong>. morning low on Wednesday.<br /><strong>2 F</strong>. high yesterday afternoon at KMSP.<br /><strong>30 F</strong>. average high on February 18.<br /><strong>44 F</strong>. high on February 18, 2014.<br /><br /><strong>1" snow</strong> on the ground in the Twin Cities.<br /><b><span style="color: #660000;">February 18, 1928</span></b>: A dust storm moved across Minnesota, causing lights to be turned on in the day time in the Twin Cities.<br /><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 321px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424298537_loon.jpg" height="211" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424298537_loon.jpg" width="321" /></div><br /><strong>Looney Tunes</strong><br /><br />There's no shame in flying, driving or walking south for a mid-winter break. A good friend, Bill Popp, reminded me that even Minnesota's state bird, the loon, flies south for the winter, relocating along the Gulf coast.<br /><br />Except that may not be far enough south. Mardi Gras revelers in New Orleans have been decked out in heavy coats; wind chill advisories posted for much of Florida. You may have to fly to Phoenix, San Diego or Mexico to work up a serious sweat because an almost January-like chill will linger east of the Rockies into late February. No, spring is NOT right around the corner.<br /><br />This morning starts out colder than yesterday but winds are easing under the center of a high pressure bubble. The wind chill won't be nearly as gasp-worthy. And the sun will be out, removing some of the psychological sting.<br /><br />An inch of snow on Friday gives way to another thumb-numbing slap over the weekend; daytime highs barely creep above zero Sunday, again Wednesday of next week - with a wind chill that may tempt you to put your travel agent on speed-dial.<br /><br />A higher sun angle and longer daylight finally gives the mercury a good kick the first week of March. 30s may feel like a revelation!<br /><br />* Loon photo above courtesy of <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.umesc.usgs.gov/terrestrial/migratory_birds/loons/questions.html" href="http://www.umesc.usgs.gov/terrestrial/migratory_birds/loons/questions.html">The Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center</a> at USGS.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424309638_animationT12.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424309638_animationT12.gif" style="height: 402px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Pulses of Pain</strong>. A few more smacks of Siberian air are shaping up into the end of next week; the end of February; the brunt of subzero temperatures from the Dakotas and Upper Midwest into the Great Lakes and New England. 2-meter temperature animation: NOAA and Ham Weather.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424315155_spark.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424315155_spark.jpg" style="height: 276px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Cold and Dry</strong>. European guidance shows another surge of subzero air Sunday into early Monday, again the middle of next week. Highs Friday may surge into the 20s before temperatures beat a hasty retreat late Saturday into Sunday. Not exactly polar, school--closing cold, but chilly enough to spark more griping and general irritability. This is what we get for a relatively mild December and January. Graphic: WeatherSpark.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424308944_temp1.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424308944_temp1.jpg" style="height: 337px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>March Thaw</strong>. At some point the wicked winds of winter will ease, in response to a higher sun angle and an eventual wind shift to the west or southwest within 2 weeks. At least one NOAA model shows 30s pushing into Minnesota by March 1, with 40s over southwestern counties. Source: Ham Weather.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 463px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424309151_jet1.jpg" height="400" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424309151_jet1.jpg" width="463" /></div><strong>Looking Forward To March</strong>. What snow lovers are hoping for is a persistent trough of low pressure out west, one that turns our winds aloft to the southwest, pumping tropical moisture northward. That will probably happen by mid-March, but will there be enough cold air in place by then for mostly snow? No way to know, but 500 mb winds on Wednesday evening, March 4 are forecast to be howling from Las Vegas, not Saskatoon, based on GFS guidance. Source: GrADS:COLA/IGES.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424273352_4.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424273352_4.jpg" style="height: 320px; width: 630px;" /></div><div class="paragraph" data-pnum="4"><strong>Stay Safe On Slippery Sidewalks: Walk Like a Penguin</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Stay-Safe-on-Slippery-Sidewalks--289900441.html?_osource=SocialFlowTwt_PHBrand" href="http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Stay-Safe-on-Slippery-Sidewalks--289900441.html?_osource=SocialFlowTwt_PHBrand">NBC Philadelphia</a> has some good advice; here's the intro to the story: "...<em>The trick to balancing on slick sidewalks is to “walk like a penguin." At least, that’s the advice coming out of <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.littlebabysicecream.com/how-to-walk-on-ice/" href="http://www.littlebabysicecream.com/how-to-walk-on-ice/" target="_blank">Little Baby’s Ice Cream</a> in Northern Liberties. Instinct tells us to do the opposite and center our weight mid-stride, which works on dry walkways. However this tactic forces legs to split your body weight in half and rely on both feet to maintain balance -- not the best idea for icy streets</em>..."</div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><hr /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div class="photo " style="width: 455px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424273592_5.jpg" height="254" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424273592_5.jpg" width="455" /></div></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><strong>Boston Mayor To Residents: Stop Jumping Out of Windows Into Snow</strong>. Here's a new hobby for a handful of (crazy) Boston residents, in response to the recent spate of record snows. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://mashable.com/2015/02/17/boston-window-jumpers/" href="http://mashable.com/2015/02/17/boston-window-jumpers/">Mashable</a> has details: "...<em>Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh has a <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_coverage/2015/02/marty_s_chilly_message_to_daredevils_stop_jumping_out_of_windows" href="http://www.bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_coverage/2015/02/marty_s_chilly_message_to_daredevils_stop_jumping_out_of_windows" target="_blank">message</a> for all the fools jumping out of windows into snow piles: Stop it. "I’m asking people to stop their nonsense right now," Walsh said at a press conference Tuesday, addressing the legions of people who have jumped out of windows — often dressed only in their underwear — and posted their conquests on social media using the hashtag #BostonBlizzardChallenge over the past three weeks</em>..." (Image credit: <a data-cke-saved-href="http://instagram.com/p/zIn0qmlqiE/?modal=true" href="http://instagram.com/p/zIn0qmlqiE/?modal=true" target="_blank">@bro_got on Instagram</a>).</div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><hr /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div class="photo " style="width: 433px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424300445_hottest12monthsNASA.jpg" height="367" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424300445_hottest12monthsNASA.jpg" width="433" /></div></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><strong>Hottest 12 Months On Record Globally Thanks To Warm January, Reports NASA.</strong> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/02/17/3623575/hottest-12-months-record/" href="http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/02/17/3623575/hottest-12-months-record/">ThinkProgress</a> has the story; here's the introduction: "<em>In January, the planet continued the warming trend that made 2014 <a data-cke-saved-href="http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/01/16/3612351/noaa-nasa-2014-hottest-year-on-record/" href="http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/01/16/3612351/noaa-nasa-2014-hottest-year-on-record/">the hottest calendar year on record</a>. NASA <a data-cke-saved-href="http://data.giss.nasa.gov/gistemp/tabledata_v3/GLB.Ts+dSST.txt" href="http://data.giss.nasa.gov/gistemp/tabledata_v3/GLB.Ts+dSST.txt">reports</a> that last month was the second-hottest January on record (after 2007), while the Japan Meteorological Agency <a data-cke-saved-href="http://ds.data.jma.go.jp/tcc/tcc/products/gwp/temp/jan_wld.html" href="http://ds.data.jma.go.jp/tcc/tcc/products/gwp/temp/jan_wld.html">ranked it</a> the hottest. Significantly, there has never been as hot a 12-month period in NASA’s database as the previous 12 months (February 2014–January 2015). This is using a <a data-cke-saved-href="http://scienceblogs.com/gregladen/2015/02/17/warmest-year-again/" href="http://scienceblogs.com/gregladen/2015/02/17/warmest-year-again/">12-month moving average</a>, so we can “see the march of temperature change over time,” rather than just once every calendar year.</em>.."</div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><hr /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div class="photo " style="width: 611px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424300727_drone.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424300727_drone.jpg" style="height: 270px; width: 611px;" /></div></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><strong>Oklahoma Weather Drone Use Holds Promise For Earlier Tornado Warnings.</strong> Could the responsible use of drones increase tornado warning lead time? Here's a clip from an interesting article and video at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.newson6.com/story/28129115/oklahoma-weather-drone-use-holds-promise-for-earlier-tornado-warnings" href="http://www.newson6.com/story/28129115/oklahoma-weather-drone-use-holds-promise-for-earlier-tornado-warnings">newson6.com</a> in Tulsa, Oklahoma: "...<em>What if a drone - or unmanned aerial vehicle as the forecasters prefer to call them - what if a UAV could mean much earlier warnings or warnings where there are now none? OU meteorology professor Phillip Chilson and researchers at the National Weather Center are using hobbyist-style remote airplanes. The airplanes are about 2-pounds and 2-feet long with speeds in excess of 100 mph and decked out with hi-tech sensors</em>..."</div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><u>Photo credit</u> above: "<em>What if a UAV could mean much earlier warnings or warnings where there are now none?</em>"</div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><hr /></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div class="photo " style="width: 254px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424315955_tesla1.jpg" height="254" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424315955_tesla1.jpg" width="254" /></div></div><strong>Why Tesla's Battery For Your Home Should Terrify Utilities.</strong> Free power from the sun, powering your home? The concept may not be as outrageous as it sounds, according to a story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.theverge.com/2015/2/13/8033691/why-teslas-battery-for-your-home-should-terrify-utilities" href="http://www.theverge.com/2015/2/13/8033691/why-teslas-battery-for-your-home-should-terrify-utilities">The Verge</a>; here's a snippet: "...<em>The prospect of cheap solar panels combined with powerful batteries has been a source of significant anxiety in the utility sector. In 2013, the Edison Electric Institute, the trade group for investor-owned electric companies, <a data-cke-saved-href="http://grist.org/climate-energy/solar-panels-could-destroy-u-s-utilities-according-to-u-s-utilities/" href="http://grist.org/climate-energy/solar-panels-could-destroy-u-s-utilities-according-to-u-s-utilities/" target="new">issued a report</a> warning that disruption was coming. "One can imagine a day when battery storage technology or micro turbines could allow customers to be electric grid independent," the report said, likening the speed of the coming transition to the one from landlines to cellphones 10 years ago. Suddenly regulated monopolies are finding themselves in competition with their own customers.</em>.."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 252px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424316073_OilCleanTechnica.jpg" height="191" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424316073_OilCleanTechnica.jpg" width="252" /></div><strong>Get Ready for $10 Oil</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-02-16/oil-prices-likely-to-fall-as-supplies-rise-demand-falls" href="http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-02-16/oil-prices-likely-to-fall-as-supplies-rise-demand-falls">Bloomberg View</a> has the Op-Ed, here's an excerpt: "<em>At about $50 a barrel, crude oil prices are down by more than half from their June 2014 peak of $107. They may fall more, perhaps even as low as $10 to $20. Here’s why.&nbsp; U.S. economic growth has averaged 2.3 percent a year since the recovery started in mid-2009. That's about half the rate you might expect in a rebound from the deepest recession since the 1930s.</em>.."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424301110_tobacco.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424301110_tobacco.jpg" style="height: 347px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Last Week Tonight With John Oliver: Tobacco</strong>. Mr. Oliver is doing enterprise reporting that would make network news divisions jealous. In case you missed it here's a <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UsHHOCH4q8" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UsHHOCH4q8">YouTube link</a> to a recent story about tobacco that made me do a double-take: "<em>Thanks to tobacco industry regulations and marketing restrictions in the US, smoking rates have dropped dramatically. John Oliver explains how tobacco companies are keeping their business strong overseas</em>."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424271787_1.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424271787_1.jpg" style="height: 313px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Our Fear of Artificial Intelligence.</strong> Are our fears overblown? Here's an excerpt from a long but excellent read at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.technologyreview.com/review/534871/our-fear-of-artificial-intelligence/" href="http://www.technologyreview.com/review/534871/our-fear-of-artificial-intelligence/">MIT Technology Review</a>: "...<em>No one is suggesting that anything like superintelligence exists now. In fact, we still have nothing approaching a general-purpose artificial intelligence or even a clear path to how it could be achieved. Recent advances in AI, from automated assistants such as Apple’s Siri to Google’s driverless cars, also reveal the technology’s severe limitations; both can be thrown off by situations that they haven’t encountered before. Artificial neural networks can learn for themselves to <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.technologyreview.com/news/523181/an-ai-chip-to-help-computers-understand-images/" href="http://www.technologyreview.com/news/523181/an-ai-chip-to-help-computers-understand-images/" target="_blank">recognize cats in photos</a>. But they must be shown hundreds of thousands of examples and still end up much less accurate at spotting cats than a child</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 297px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424272456_3.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424272456_3.jpg" style="height: 131px; width: 297px;" /></div><strong>Sizzle For A Cause</strong>. I hope you can stop by Bayview Event Center in Excelsior, sample some amazing food and support the ICA Food Shelf, which serves 800 homes every month. Tickets and details are <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/2015-sizzle-for-a-cause-tickets-14760486011?utm_campaign=event_reminder&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;ref=eemaileventremind&amp;utm_source=eb_email&amp;utm_term=eventname" href="http://www.eventbrite.com/e/2015-sizzle-for-a-cause-tickets-14760486011?utm_campaign=event_reminder&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;ref=eemaileventremind&amp;utm_source=eb_email&amp;utm_term=eventname">here</a>.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 595px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424298643_twins.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424298643_twins.jpg" style="height: 394px; width: 595px;" /></div><br />TODAY: Cold start. Bright sun, less wind. Winds: SW 5. High: 10<br />THURSDAY NIGHT: Clouds increase with light snow late, not as cold. Low: 7 (rising late)<br />FRIDAY: Next clipper. Coating to 1" snow possible. Slick spots. High: 27<br /><strong>SATURDAY</strong>: Mostly cloudy, turning colder. Wake-up: 19. High: 23 (falling by afternoon)<br /><strong>SUNDAY</strong>: A fresh Siberian breeze. Wind chill: -20. Wake-up: 3. High: 8<br />MONDAY: Numbing start, clouds increase. Wake-up: -7. High: 17<br />TUESDAY: Lot's of clouds, feels like -25. Wake-up: 10. High: 13 (falling during the day).<br />WEDNESDAY: Bright sun. Hurry up March. Wake-up: -9. High: 5<br /><br /><hr /><strong>Climate Stories....</strong><br /><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 357px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424300868_7.jpg" height="231" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424300868_7.jpg" width="357" /></div><strong>NASA Study Predicts Devastating Droughts During The Last Half of the Century.</strong> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.gizmag.com/nasa-drought-study-united-states/36128/?utm_source=Gizmag+Subscribers&amp;utm_campaign=9a2fc40689-UA-2235360-4&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_65b67362bd-9a2fc40689-89969994" href="http://www.gizmag.com/nasa-drought-study-united-states/36128/?utm_source=Gizmag+Subscribers&amp;utm_campaign=9a2fc40689-UA-2235360-4&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_65b67362bd-9a2fc40689-89969994">Gizmag</a> has a good summary of recent news coming out of NASA; here's the intro: "<em>A new NASA study is predicting the occurrence of severe "megadroughts" across the United States in the second half of this century, that are set to be more extreme and prolonged than any droughts that have taken place in the region for the past 1,000 years. According to the study, one of the key driving forces behind the devastating droughts will be the prolific creation of human-produced greenhouse gasses. The study made use of several climate models including one spearheaded by NASA, and is the first of its kind to use historical data stretching back as far as 1,000 years</em>..."<br /><br /><u>Image credit</u> above: "<em>30-cm (11.8-in)-deep moisture projection based on NASA's high carbon emission scenario in the year 2095</em>." (Image: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center).<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 119px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424307594_bp.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424307594_bp.jpg" style="height: 90px; width: 119px;" /></div><strong>BP's Two-Word Fix For Global Climate Change</strong>. A tip of the hat to BP for acknowledging the elephant in the living room, and proposing the same market-based solution many others are advocating. Here's an excerpt of a good summary at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Energy-Voices/2015/0217/BP-s-two-word-fix-for-global-climate-change" href="http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Energy-Voices/2015/0217/BP-s-two-word-fix-for-global-climate-change">Christian Science Monitor</a>: "...<em>In its report, BP lays out a variety of ways policymakers and businesses could prevent that from happening, including boosting renewable energy production, limiting carbon-heavy coal use, and making energy systems more efficient. It concludes that no one approach will be enough to meet emissions reductions goals, but offers a simple idea that would help guide efforts: carbon pricing</em>..."<br /><br />* BP's official statement is <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bp.com/en/global/corporate/press/press-releases/bp-energy-outlook-2035.html" href="http://www.bp.com/en/global/corporate/press/press-releases/bp-energy-outlook-2035.html">here</a>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/11417968/BP-says-CO2-emissions-unsustainable-warns-on-global-warming.html?utm_source=Daily+Carbon+Briefing&amp;utm_campaign=75983c3c04-cb_daily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_876aab4fd7-75983c3c04-303421297" href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/11417968/BP-says-CO2-emissions-unsustainable-warns-on-global-warming.html?utm_source=Daily+Carbon+Briefing&amp;utm_campaign=75983c3c04-cb_daily&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_term=0_876aab4fd7-75983c3c04-303421297">The Telegraph</a> has more on BP's prediction that CO2 emissions will exceed levels which pose a threat unless coordinated action is taken.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 188px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424316166_geoengineeringCLIMATE.jpg" height="188" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424316166_geoengineeringCLIMATE.jpg" width="188" /></div><strong>The Risks of Climate Engineering</strong>. Here's a clip from a <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/12/opinion/the-risks-of-climate-engineering.html?emc=edit_tnt_20150212&amp;nlid=6274831&amp;tntemail0=y&amp;_r=0" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/12/opinion/the-risks-of-climate-engineering.html?emc=edit_tnt_20150212&amp;nlid=6274831&amp;tntemail0=y&amp;_r=0">New York Times article</a>: "...<em>Beneath the identifiable risks is not only a gut reaction to the hubris of it all — the idea that humans could set out to regulate the Earth system, perhaps in perpetuity — but also to what it says about where we are today. As the committee’s chairwoman, Marcia McNutt, told The Associated Press: The public should read this report “and say, ‘This is downright scary.’ And they should say, ‘If this is our Hail Mary, what a scary, scary place we are in</em>...."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 413px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424299951_6.jpg" height="412" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424299951_6.jpg" width="413" /></div><strong>New Study Calls For Urgent Action To Prepare New York City</strong>. The Big Apple may be hit disproportionately harder than many large coastal cities as sea levels continue to rise, due to a variety of factors. Here's an excerpt from <a data-cke-saved-href="http://gothamist.com/2015/02/17/climate_change_nyc.php" href="http://gothamist.com/2015/02/17/climate_change_nyc.php">Gothamist</a>: "...<em>The news gets worse. The sea level will increase between 11 inches and 21 inches by the 2050s; by the 2080s, it'll be up to between 18 and 29 inches, and by 2100, we can expect an increase of between 22 and 50 inches. And if the science gods are against us—and aren't they always?—that sea level could see a rise as high as six feet by 2100. Bye, Red Hook! In fact, by 2100, sea level will have risen so much it'll have doubled the area for 2013's designated coastal flooding zones for both the 100-year flood and the 500-year flood, leaving a lot of previously untouched inland vulnerable</em>..." (Graphic source <a data-cke-saved-href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/enhanced/doi/10.1111/nyas.12590/" href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/enhanced/doi/10.1111/nyas.12590/">here</a>, Wiley Online Library has a link to the full report <a data-cke-saved-href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nyas.2015.1336.issue-1/issuetoc" href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nyas.2015.1336.issue-1/issuetoc">here</a>).<br /><hr /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424316217_global weirding-thumb.jpg" height="214" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424316217_global%20weirding-thumb.jpg" width="152" /><br /><strong>The Weird Way That Climate Change Could Lead To New Disease Outbreaks Around The World</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/innovations/wp/2015/02/18/the-weird-way-that-climate-change-could-lead-to-new-disease-outbreaks-around-the-world/" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/innovations/wp/2015/02/18/the-weird-way-that-climate-change-could-lead-to-new-disease-outbreaks-around-the-world/">The Washington Post</a> takes a look at how a rapidly morphing climate is impacting disease vectors; here's an excerpt: "<em>Climate change could be behind more than just rising ocean levels, melting polar ice caps, and <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/wp/2014/09/29/the-fingerprint-of-climate-change-on-the-california-drought-extreme-weather-in-2013/" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/wp/2014/09/29/the-fingerprint-of-climate-change-on-the-california-drought-extreme-weather-in-2013/" target="_blank">extreme&nbsp;weather events</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;it could also be creating the ecological basis for infectious diseases to spread to new places and new hosts. Writing in the <a data-cke-saved-href="http://rstb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/370/1665/20130553" href="http://rstb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/370/1665/20130553" target="_blank">Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B</a>, two prominent zoologists, Daniel Brooks of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Eric Hoberg of the U.S. National Parasite Collection of the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-02/uon-urm021315.php" href="http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-02/uon-urm021315.php" target="_blank">warn that outbreaks of infectious diseases such as West Nile virus and Ebola are just the start </a>– global warming could enable similar types of diseases to emerge and thrive in places you might not expect.</em>.."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 399px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424316293_EarthThinkstock.jpg" height="267" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424316293_EarthThinkstock.jpg" width="399" /></div><strong>More Infectious Diseases Emerging Because of Climate Change</strong>. Following up on the story above, here's an excerpt from a story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://phys.org/news/2015-02-infectious-diseases-emerging-climate.html#jCp" href="http://phys.org/news/2015-02-infectious-diseases-emerging-climate.html#jCp">phys.org</a>: "...<em>Each has observed the arrival of species that hadn't previously lived in that area and the departure of others, Brooks said. "Over the last 30 years the places we've been working have been heavily impacted by climate change," Brooks said in an interview last week. "Even though I was in the tropics and he was in the Arctic, we could see something was happening.</em>.."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 338px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424300252_bird.jpg" height="222" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424300252_bird.jpg" width="338" /></div><strong>Birds Tell An Urgent Climate Change Message</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marcia-g-yerman/birds-tell-an-urgent-clim_b_6689818.html" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marcia-g-yerman/birds-tell-an-urgent-clim_b_6689818.html">Huffington Post</a> takes a look at how bird migrations are reflecting temperature trends; here's the intro: "<em>The canary in the coal mine." That phrase has become part of the lexicon as a warning for danger. Now birds are cautioning humans about the imminent threat of climate change -- and the news is not good. This from a <a data-cke-saved-href="http://climate.audubon.org/" href="http://climate.audubon.org/" target="_hplink">report </a>based on seven years of research by the <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.audubon.org/" href="http://www.audubon.org/" target="_hplink">National Audubon Society</a>. I checked out their website, which featured material on environmental events -- both <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.audubon.org/news/audubon-demands-bp-pay" href="https://www.audubon.org/news/audubon-demands-bp-pay" target="_hplink">national</a> and <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.audubon.org/magazine/january-february-2015/a-very-bad-plan" href="https://www.audubon.org/magazine/january-february-2015/a-very-bad-plan" target="_hplink">international</a>. I learned that the <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/baltimore-oriole" href="http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/baltimore-oriole" target="_hplink">Baltimore Oriole</a> may no longer be in Maryland by the end of the century and that coastal species, like the <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/spotted-sandpiper" href="http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/spotted-sandpiper" target="_hplink">sandpiper</a>, were imperiled by rising sea levels.</em>.."<br /><br /><u>Photo credit</u>: Loi Nguyen/Audubon Photography Awards.Paul Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119711149976645625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575361857149684460.post-31016270381475386872015-02-17T18:55:00.000-06:002015-02-17T18:55:10.621-06:00Bitter Wind Chills Wednesday<strong>Great Lakes Ice Coverage</strong><br />Despite the lack of widespread heavy snow across parts of the Midwest/Great Lakes, we're certainly not lacking cold weather as of late. According to NOAA's GLERL, the ice coverage as 2/16/15 was 76.6% and the 3rd highest ice coverage since 1996.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424191183_2.17.15 sat great lakes.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424191183_2.17.15%20sat%20great%20lakes.JPG" style="height: 354px; width: 500px;" /></strong><br /><br />The Other Hand<br />By Paul Douglas<br /><br />I'm pleading with my car heater (faster!) while using a credit card to chip ice off the INSIDE of my windshield, trying to hold my breath until March. Spring break seems elusive; at the rate I'm going some body parts may never thaw out entirely.<br /><br />On the other hand. That hyperactive weather dude isn't ranting about T-storms on Doppler. Nobody in my family is complaining about allergies or the dew point. I can walk through the woods without a tick inspection. I'm not on my hands and knees weeding. And finally, I don't live in Boston, where 95.7 inches of snow has fallen, 58.5 inches just in February!<br /><br />About one Boston blizzard's worth of snow, 24.1 inches, has fallen on the Twin Cities. We could get whacked in March but at this point I sort of doubt it. When in a drought don't forecast rain (or snow). The pattern still isn't ripe for big snows here anytime soon - a cold, dry wind swirling out of Canada keeps temperatures well below average into next week. No record lows, but 4 or 5 more subzero mornings in the next week. Long-range models signal an extended thaw by the first week of March.<br /><br />We're seeing the cold without the snow. Odd. A little like limping thru half a winter.<br /><br />==============<br /><br />TUESDAY NIGHT: Light snow chance. Breezy and cold. Low: -5. Winds: NW 10-15. Wind Chill: -15F to -25F<br />WEDNESDAY: Icy wind, decreasing clouds. AM wind chill: -25F. High: 2. Winds: NW 10-15<br />WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy and cold. Low: -9. Winds: NW 5-10. Wind Chill: -15F to -25F.<br />THURSDAY: Blue sky, still raw. High: 6.<br />FRIDAY: Clipper arrives, light snow chance. Wake-up: -1. High: 20.<br />SATURDAY: Cold winds return. Wake-up: 12. High: 19.<br />SUNDAY: Quiet. Still below average. Wake-up: -1. High: 11.<br />MONDAY: A little warmer, nothing rough. Wake-up: -2. High: 22.<br />TUESDAY: Mix of sun and clouds. Wake-up: 12. High: 25.<br /><br />================<br /><br /><strong>This Day in Weather History:<br />February 18th</strong><br />1979: This is one of the rare times that Lake Superior completely froze over.3<br /><br />===============<br /><br /><strong>Average High/Low for Minneapolis<br />February 18th</strong><br />Average High: 30F (Record: 57F set in 1981)<br />Average Low: 14F (Record: -20F set in 1941)<br /><br />===============<br /><br /><strong>Sunrise/Sunset Times for Minneapolis<br />February 18th</strong><br />Sunrise: 7:08am<br />Sunset: 5:45pm<br /><br />================<br /><br /><strong>Moon Phase for February 18th<br />New at 5:47pm (Crust of Snow Moon (Ojibwe))</strong><br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424188900_2.16.15 moon.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424188900_2.16.15%20moon.JPG" style="height: 253px; width: 254px;" /></strong><br /><br />=================<br /><br /><strong>Minneapolis Temperature Trend</strong><br />Well below average temperatures look to continue over the next several days with slight moderation into next week. The coldest time period appears to be midweek this week with highs struggling to get to 0F on Wednesday across much of Minnesota.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424188967_2.17.15 msp temp.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424188967_2.17.15%20msp%20temp.JPG" style="height: 383px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br />================<br /><br /><strong>Duluth, MN</strong><br />Despite the lack of snow across the Upper Midwest, the lack of cold is certainly not an issue. Take a look at the ice coverage from the western tip of Lake Superior looking NE toward the open waters (ice) of Lake Superior.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424190252_2.17.15 duluth webcam.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424190252_2.17.15%20duluth%20webcam.JPG" style="height: 449px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Great Lakes Ice Coverage</strong><br />According to NOAA's GLERL, the Great Lakes were nearly 77% ice covered as of Monday, February 16th. Interestingly, this is the 3rd highest ice coverage since 1996 (82%). The highest ice coverage was last year at 92.5%! At the start of February, only 38% of the Great Lakes were covered with ice, now almost double!<br /><br /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424189315_2.17.15 GL ice cover.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424189315_2.17.15%20GL%20ice%20cover.JPG" style="height: 470px; width: 600px;" /><br /><br /><strong>Peak Ice Coverage</strong><br />A look at the peak ice coverage image below and you'll see that last year (3-6-2014) the Great Lakes had it's 3rd highest ice coverage since records began in 1973!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424189573_2.17.15 ice cover.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424189573_2.17.15%20ice%20cover.jpg" style="height: 272px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Making More Ice</strong><br />This is a pretty significant blob of cold air across the eastern two-thirds of the nation. Unfortunately, some folks across the far north will have a tough time even getting above zero for daytime highs on Wednesday. However, wind chill values will be below zero for a much wider area early Wednesday!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424191853_2.17.15 wed 850.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424191853_2.17.15%20wed%20850.JPG" style="height: 452px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Highs Wednesday</strong><br />Here's a look at what highs will look like on Wednesday. Note that several locations across the Upper Midwest will be in the single digits above and below zero, while some in the Lower Mississippi Valley will be in the 30s!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424192152_2.7.15 highs wed.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424192152_2.7.15%20highs%20wed.JPG" style="height: 418px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Highs From Average Wednesday</strong><br />YIKES! That certainly is a big blob of cold weather isn't it? Many spots east of the Rockies will be nearly -20F to -30F below average with highs along the Gulf Coast nearly -10F to -15F below average, including New Orleans for Ash Wednesday.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424192516_2.17.15 highs from avg wed.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424192516_2.17.15%20highs%20from%20avg%20wed.JPG" style="height: 410px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Cold Fat Tuesday</strong><br />This was the EarthCam view of New Orleans during the Fat Tuesday celebrations. Note that most people were wearing coats as temperatures Tuesday morning dipped into the mid 30s with highs running nearly -15F below average!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424192625_2.1715 mardi gras.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424192625_2.1715%20mardi%20gras.jpg" style="height: 338px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>National Weather Outlook</strong><br />The cold air is not only plaguing much of the eastern half of the country, but it is also helping to drive storm systems. While the latest impulse of energy isn't all that impressive, it is once again going to bring more snow to places in the Northeast.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424191756_2.17.15 NDFD.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424191756_2.17.15%20NDFD.gif" style="height: 402px; width: 581px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Weekend Storm System?</strong><br />Take a look at what models are projecting for later this week/weekend! Another blog of significant moisture across parts of the Mississippi/Tennessee/Ohio River Valley with the potential of more snow, sleet, freezing rain and heavy rain/storms along the Gulf Coast.<br /><br /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424193052_2.17.15 wknd storm.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424193052_2.17.15%20wknd%20storm.jpg" style="height: 461px; width: 600px;" /><br /><br /><strong>Precipitation Outlook</strong><br />According to NOAA's HPC, the precipitation outlook from AM Friday through AM Sunday suggests a fairly big blob of moisture in some of the same areas that just got hit with wintry weather earlier this week. It'll be interesting to see how this storm develops and how far south our cold air is as this moisture moves in.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424193281_2.17.15 HPC 5 day.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424193281_2.17.15%20HPC%205%20day.JPG" style="height: 430px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Weekend Precipitation Outlook</strong><br />This is a brief glance at what we could be dealing with over the upcoming weekend. Again - the potential of a wintry mess could make for some significant travel problems across parts of the southern tier of the nation... stay tuned for more!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424193605_2.17.15 wknd storm1.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424193605_2.17.15%20wknd%20storm1.JPG" style="height: 413px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Thanks for checking in and have a great rest of your week! Don't forget to follow me on Twitter @TNelsonWX</strong><br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424193789_todd nelson proff.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424193789_todd%20nelson%20proff.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 200px;" /></strong>Paul Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119711149976645625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575361857149684460.post-6392561789988347212015-02-16T18:14:00.000-06:002015-02-16T18:14:57.755-06:00Cold Weather Continues; Sub-zero Highs Wednesday?<img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424102298_2.16.15 mn snow pic.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424102298_2.16.15%20mn%20snow%20pic.jpg" style="height: 337px; width: 450px;" /><br /><br />Cold winds return<br />By Todd Nelson<br /><br />I have to be honest, the meteorologist in me has been a little depressed about our winter so far. Deep down, I am a little jealous of the feet of snow that has fallen in Boston over the past few weeks. No doubt, the lack of snow has made for several more easy commutes this winter, but talk to most weather nerds and you'll find that they live for extremes!<br /><br />Minneapolis is nearly 14" below average snowfall this season with no big snow storms in sight. Boston on the other hand could see additional snow accumulations through midweek. The continued cold weather that is plaguing our neck of the woods is also helping to drive major winter storm systems to our south and east.<br /><br />Looking ahead, I still don't see any blockbuster events unfolding close to home. However, our persistent northwest flow continues over the next several days. Spats of cold, Canadian air look to keep us below average in the temperature department into next week. The coldest weather arrives midweek with temperatures struggling to get above zero for highs across much of the state.<br /><br />Am I too young to be a snowbird yet? I could get used to having daily tee-times/soaks at the pool. You?<br /><br />============<br /><br />MONDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy and colder. Low: 1. Winds: NW 10. Wind Chill: -10F to -15F<br />TUESDAY: Few flakes. Another shot of cold air. High: 8. Winds: NW 10-15. Wind Chill: -10F to -15F<br />TUESDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy, breezy and cold. Low: -6. Winds: NW 10-15. Wind Chill: -10F to -20F<br />WEDNESDAY: Icy wind, decreasing clouds. AM wind chill: -20F. High: 1.<br />THURSDAY: Blue sky, still raw. Wake-up: -9. High: 7.<br />FRIDAY: Clipper arrives, light snow chance. Wake-up: -2. High: 17.<br />SATURDAY: Cold winds return. Wake-up: 8. High: 15.<br />SUNDAY: Quiet. Still below average. Wake-up: 1. High: 16.<br />MONDAY: A little warmer, nothing rough. Wake-up: 5. High: 20.<br /><br />===============<br /><br /><strong>This Day in Weather History<br />February 17th</strong><br />1981: Warm weather continues across Minnesota with a record high of 55 in the Twin Cities. Crocuses were blooming.<br />1894: The Minneapolis Weather Bureau journal notes: Sleighing very poor, about half of the vehicles are on wheels.<br /><br />===============<br /><br /><strong>Average High/Low for Minneapolis<br />February 17th</strong><br />Average High: 30F (Record: 55F set in 1981)<br />Average Low: 14 (Record: -20F set in 1936)<br /><br />===============<br /><br /><strong>Sunrise/Sunset Times for Minneapolis<br />February 17th</strong><br />Sunrise: 7:10am<br />Sunset: 5:44pm<br /><br />===============<br /><br /><strong>Moon Phase for February 17th at Midnight<br />0.7 Days Before New Moon</strong><br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424097181_2.16.15 moon.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424097181_2.16.15%20moon.JPG" style="height: 253px; width: 254px;" /></strong><br /><br />=================<br /><br /><strong>Minneapolis Temperature Trend</strong><br />Take a look at our average high temperature track (dashed red line) and note that our average high at this time of the year in right around 30F. Thanks to a persistent NW flow, our high temperatures through much of the rest of the month will stay well below average! In fact, daytime highs on Wednesday may not even get out of the sub-zero range for a number of folks across the state. It'll even be a close call for us in Minneapolis! Temperatures look to gradually warm back to near average levels by the start of March.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424097267_2.16.15 MSP.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424097267_2.16.15%20MSP.JPG" style="height: 382px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br />=================<br /><br /><strong>Tuesday Weather Outlook</strong><br />Temperatures on Tuesday will be cooler than that of Monday. Actual air temperatures will be stuck in the single digits and teen across the state with -10s and -20s for wind chill values even through the afternoon hours.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424100104_2.16.15 tuesday temps.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424100104_2.16.15%20tuesday%20temps.jpg" style="height: 398px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Tuesday Weather Outlook</strong><br />Lingering light snow will still be possible across the far northern reaches of the state during the day. However, breezy winds will be a bigger issue as colder air continues to settle into the region. Wind gusts on Tuesday could approach 15mph to 25mph late in the day, especially across far western MN.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424100335_2.16.15 tues weather.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424100335_2.16.15%20tues%20weather.jpg" style="height: 399px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Weather Outlook</strong><br />After nearly a full day of flurries and light snow on Monday that didn't add up to much, another light snow chance will scoot through the region<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424121202_2.16.15 mn simu.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424121202_2.16.15%20mn%20simu.gif" style="height: 383px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>5 Day Precipitation Outlook</strong><br />According to NOAA's HPC, the 5 day precipitation outlook shows minimal precipitation potential for folks in the Upper Midwest.<br /><br /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424102426_2.16.15 MN 5 day precip.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424102426_2.16.15%20MN%205%20day%20precip.JPG" style="height: 405px; width: 600px;" /><br /><br /><strong>Snowy Presidents Day</strong><br />This was the view from the @UniversityofKY in Lexington, KY. Heavy snow of up to a foot or more pushed through parts of the Commonwealth on Monday and set several daily snowfall records.<br /><br /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424105088_2.16.15 u of k.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424105088_2.16.15%20u%20of%20k.JPG" style="height: 389px; width: 600px;" /><br /><br /><strong>National Weather Outlook</strong><br />The latest winter storm that dumped heavy snow and ice across the Middle Mississippi Valley to the Ohio/Tennessee Valley will continue on it's eastward track through the Mid-Atlantic Region through midweek. Note how the storm looks to graze parts of the Northeast (including Boston) through midweek!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424104913_2.16.15 ndfd.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424104913_2.16.15%20ndfd.gif" style="height: 402px; width: 581px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Precipitation Outlook</strong><br />According to NOAA's HPC, the 3 day precipitation forecast keeps most of the heavy precipitation off the East Coast. Meanwhile, the West Coast continues to stay dry.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424122403_2.16.15 NAT 5 day.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424122403_2.16.15%20NAT%205%20day.jpg" style="height: 449px; width: 600px;" /></strong><strong>Cold Weather Continues</strong><br />Look at the significant blob of colder air that looks to surge south of the border by midweek. The cold air will have wide-reaching effects. The eastern two-thirds of the country will be colder than average, while the western third of the nation looks to stay above average.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424123503_2.16.15 cod wed.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424123503_2.16.15%20cod%20wed.jpg" style="height: 452px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Highs From Average Wednesday</strong><br />Highs on Wednesday will be significantly colder than average across the eastern two-thirds of the nation. Temps will be running nearly 20F to 30F below average!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424124262_2.16.15 highs from avg.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424124262_2.16.15%20highs%20from%20avg.jpg" style="height: 414px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><em>"<strong></strong><strong>Send in the Weathermen</strong>"</em><br /><strong></strong>Great story here from NBCNews.com meteorologists in the line of duty...<br /><br /><em>"In New York and Washington, D.C., the funerals continued. Families gave up hope of a miracle rescue in the rubble of the World Trade Center and Pentagon. But if this soldier succeeded he would never shoot his gun and no one outside the military would know his work.</em><br /><em>He was a weatherman.</em><br /><em>More precisely, he was a special operations weather technician, known as a SOWT (pronounced sow-tee). As the Department of Defense’s only commando forecasters, SOWTs gather mission-impossible environmental data from some of the most hostile places on Earth.</em>"<br /><br /><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.nbcnews.com/pages/weathermen" href="http://www.nbcnews.com/pages/weathermen">Read more from NBCNews.com HERE:</a><br /><br /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424129709_2.16.15 weather ops.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424129709_2.16.15%20weather%20ops.jpg" style="height: 363px; width: 550px;" /><br /><br /><strong>Thanks for checking in and have a great rest of your week! Don't forget to follow me on Twitter @TNelsonWN</strong><br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424125016_Todd Professional.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424125016_Todd%20Professional.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 200px;" /></strong>Paul Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119711149976645625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575361857149684460.post-979490212810301802015-02-15T17:22:00.000-06:002015-02-15T17:22:06.216-06:00Cold Week Ahead<img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424026205_2.15.16 barn.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424026205_2.15.16%20barn.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 400px;" /><br /><br />Cold vs. Snow?<br />By Todd Nelson<br /><br />Not sure what I'd rather be dealing with at this point... our face-numbing, sub-zero wind chills or the extreme snow in the Northeast.<br /><br />The latest storm to impact the New England states dropped 1ft. to nearly 2ft. with high wind gusts from 50mph to nearly 70mph! According to the National Weather Service out of Boston, as of midday Sunday, they have now seen nearly 59" of snow this February; The snowiest month in recorded history! Incredibly, they have nearly 4ft of snow on the ground, which is the greatest snow depth in 130yrs. of record keeping. Suddenly, I feel like I can handle a few more days of bone-chilling weather, how about you?<br /><br />Another wintry blast will drop nearly a foot of snow across parts of Kentucky today with up to 0.50" ice expected across parts of the Tennessee Valley. Meanwhile, we sit nearly 14" below average snowfall for the season in the Twin Cities with a meager 1" of snow depth. Last year at this time, we had 14" of snow on the ground!<br /><br />We won't see much in terms of snow this week, but we'll have to continue bundling up as we battle another several days bone-chilling temps. It appears that the bitter cold weather breaks by next week. -Todd Nelson<br /><br />=============<br /><br />SUNDAY NIGHT: A few flakes early, otherwise, mostly cloudy. Low: 4. Winds: SSW 5-10. Wind Chill: -5F to -10F<br />MONDAY: Grey skies, a few flakes? High: 19. Wind: Turning WNW 10-15 late.<br />MONDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy and colder. Low: 1. Winds: NW 10. Wind Chill: -10F to -15F<br />TUESDAY: Another shot of cold air. High: 8. Winds: WNW 10-15. Wind Chill: -10F<br />WEDNESDAY: Cold sunshine, AM wind chill: -20F. Wake-up: -6. High: 4.<br />THURSDAY: Icy sunshine, less wind. Wake-up: -9. High: 7.<br />FRIDAY: Clipper arrives, light snow chance. Wake-up: 7. High: 20.<br />SATURDAY: Breezy, more sun. Wake-up: 7. High: 20.<br />SUNDAY: More clouds, not as cold. Wake-up: 6. High: 22.<br /><br />==============<br /><br /><strong>This Day in Weather History</strong><br /><strong>February 16th</strong><br />1981: Great warm-up across Minnesota. Highs in the 50's and 60's common. 5 daily high records broken in a row in the Twin Cities. Many records were also broken statewide.<br />1903: A temperature of -59 was recorded at Pokegama Dam, tying the state record low at that time. It would not be broken for another 93 years.<br /><br />================<br /><br /><strong>Average High/Low for Minneapolis<br />February 16th</strong><br />Average High: 29F (Record: 60F set in 1981)<br />Average Low: 13F (Record: -26F set in 1936)<br /><br />================<br /><br /><strong>Sunrise/Sunset Times for Minneapolis<br />February 16th</strong><br />Sunrise: 7:12am<br />Sunset: 5:43pm<br /><br />=================<br /><br /><strong>Moon Phase for February 16th at Midnight<br />1.7 Days before New Moon</strong><br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424025983_2.15.16 Moon.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424025983_2.15.16%20Moon.jpg" style="height: 262px; width: 261px;" /></strong><br /><br />=================<br /><br /><strong>Minneapolis Temperature Trend</strong><br />Cold weather continues through much of the rest of February! Take a look at what extended model runs are suggesting through the next couple of weeks. For the most part, it appears we stay well below average with a chance of milder temperatures 'finally' by the end of the month/start of March. By the way, February is the last month of Meteorological Winter, which is defined as the coldest 3 months on average for the northern hemisphere. That mean, we're only 2 weeks until Meteorological Spring!<br /><br /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424026460_2.15.16 msp temp.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424026460_2.15.16%20msp%20temp.jpg" style="height: 381px; width: 600px;" /><br /><br />======================<br /><br /><strong>Monday Weather Outlook</strong><br />Temperatures on Monday will warm into the 10s and 20s across the state, however, winds will make it feel more like the single digits above and below zero for much of the day.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424027253_2.15.15 MN temps.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424027253_2.15.15%20MN%20temps.jpg" style="height: 398px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Monday Weather Outlook</strong><br />Our persistent northwest flow continues with fast moving, moisture starved clipper systems rolling through the area. Each one that passes brings a light snow chance of another shot of cold air. We'll be between clipper systems on Monday with winds picking up a little more during the afternoon out of the northwest. Temperatures will take another nosedive on Tuesday with highs struggling to get back into the single digits above zero for much of the state.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424027520_2.15.15 MN weather.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424027520_2.15.15%20MN%20weather.jpg" style="height: 398px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Boston Blizzard</strong><br />This was the view from Boston College late Sunday afternoon as most of the snow had wrapped up. Another 12" to nearly 24" was reported across parts of the Northeast with wind gusts of 40mph to nearly 70mph were recorded. According to the NWS out of Boston, Mass. as of Sunday afternoon, Boston had seen 58.5" of snow for the month of February setting a record for the snowiest month on record! The previous record was 43.3" set in January of 2005!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424033374_2.15.15 bos cam.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424033374_2.15.15%20bos%20cam.jpg" style="height: 449px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Northeast Storm Wrap Up</strong><br />Take a look at the wind field from late Sunday afternoon across the Northeast. Note how widespread the strong winds were as it continued moving northeast...<br /><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/discussions/nfdscc4.html" href="http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/discussions/nfdscc4.html">Take a look at the latest storm summary from NOAA's HPC HERE:</a><br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424033858_2.15.15 winds.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424033858_2.15.15%20winds.jpg" style="height: 347px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>National Weather Outlook</strong><br />It really has been a busy last few weeks with winter storm after winter storm affecting the eastern part of the country. Weather conditions in the Northeast have been the busiest, but folks from the Middle Mississippi Valley to the Mid-Atlantic Region will now get a little taste of the action. From heavy rain across the Gulf Coast States to freezing rain, sleet and snow across the Tennessee/Ohio Valley on east, this will be a significant storm causing major travel concerns<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424028597_2.15.15 NDFD.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424028597_2.15.15%20NDFD.gif" style="height: 402px; width: 581px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Storm Track</strong><br />According to NOAA's HPC, the storm track will move from the Lower Mississippi Valley on Monday to just off the New England Coast by the weekend. Due to cold air in place over the eastern two-thirds of the country, wintry precip will be a big issue with this system. Most of the wintry precip will occur on the northern/western flank of the storm track as it moves northeast this week.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424029175_2.15.15 storm track.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424029175_2.15.15%20storm%20track.jpg" style="height: 432px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>National Weather Outlook</strong><br />YIKES! Look at the wintry precip that looks to cross through the middle part of the country to the East Coast.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424029888_2.15.15 weather.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424029888_2.15.15%20weather.jpg" style="height: 450px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Snow Potential</strong><br />This WILL be a significant storm for folks across parts of the Ohio/Tennessee Valley. Snowfall amounts of 6" to upwards of 12" can't be ruled out.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424030943_2.15.15 NAT Snow.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424030943_2.15.15%20NAT%20Snow.jpg" style="height: 420px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Freezing Rain Potential</strong><br />Take a look at the freezing rain potential through the early week timeframe. A thin band of fairly significant freezing rain/ice can't be rule out from near Memphis, TN to near Norfolk, VA. Significant travel concerns will be felt here too!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424034276_2.15.15 ice.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424034276_2.15.15%20ice.jpg" style="height: 271px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Winter Weather Headlines</strong><br />Take a look at how many folks will be under winter weather headlines through the early week timeframe. Here's the latest from the National Weather Service out of Louisville, KY<br /><br />...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM EST /6 PM CST/ THIS EVENING TO 1 AM EST /MIDNIGHT CST/ TUESDAY... A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM EST /6 PM CST/ THIS EVENING TO 1 AM EST /MIDNIGHT CST/ TUESDAY.<br />* TIMING: BEGINNING LATE THIS EVENING. HEAVIEST SNOW MONDAY MORNING. ENDING MONDAY EVENING.<br />* MAIN IMPACT: DANGEROUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS...ESPECIALLY MONDAY MORNING WHEN THE HEAVIEST SNOWFALL IS FORECAST.<br /><strong>* ACCUMULATIONS: 4 TO 7 INCHES OVER SOUTHERN INDIANA. 6 TO 10 INCHES NORTH-CENTRAL KENTUCKY. 8 TO 12 INCHES SOUTH OF THE WESTERN KENTUCKY AND BLUEGRASS PARKWAYS. LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS...ESPECIALLY IN KENTUCKY.</strong><br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424031581_2.15.15 ohio valley heads.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424031581_2.15.15%20ohio%20valley%20heads.jpg" style="height: 451px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Extended Temperature Outlook</strong><br /><strong></strong><strong></strong>According to NOAA's CPC, the 6 to 10 day temperature outlook (through February 25th) keeps the eastern half of the country colder than average. However, the western third of the country, including Alaska stay warmer than average!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424039964_2.15.15 cpc.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424039964_2.15.15%20cpc.jpg" style="height: 574px; width: 548px;" /></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong>Thanks for checking in and have a great week ahead! Don't forget to follow me on Twitter @TNelsonWX</strong><br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424039762_Todd Professional.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1424039762_Todd%20Professional.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 200px;" /></strong>Paul Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119711149976645625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575361857149684460.post-22327355899326443112015-02-14T20:01:00.000-06:002015-02-14T20:01:23.177-06:00Sunday Snow; Continued Cold Next Week<img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423962170_2.14.15 ice.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423962170_2.14.15%20ice.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 400px;" /><br /><br />A Cold Bias<br />By Paul Douglas<br /><br />We've done a pretty good job engineering weather out of our lives,&nbsp;rendering the elements outside irrelevant. From furnaces to heated car seats&nbsp;we've invented new ways to thumb our nose at Old Man&nbsp;Winter.<br /><br />But a blizzard? You're unable to distinguish sky from ground;&nbsp;high-velocity snowflakes feel like sandpaper on your skin as you stumble&nbsp;around snowy quicksand. Your yard becomes unfamiliar,&nbsp;enemy territory as you try to navigate back to safety.<br /><br />Boston is&nbsp;experiencing another blizzard Sunday&nbsp;morning; some locals possibly questioning&nbsp;the wisdom of living so close to an Atlantic Ocean that&nbsp;super-sizes some of the storms tracking up the coast.<br /><br />While we stare out&nbsp;at 1 inch of snow on the ground in the metro area; a far cry from the 13&nbsp;inches last year at this time. The next 2 weeks will&nbsp;trend colder than average: moderately unpleasant, but not quite polar. The mercury dips below zero 2 or 3 nights later this week but do your homework. No school-closing cold waves are in sight.<br /><br />It's&nbsp;obviously cold enough for snow but this same dry (west/northwest) pattern&nbsp;lingers into early March; not ripe for serious storms.<br /><br />Boston may see&nbsp;another big snowstorm next weekend. Insult to injury.<br /><br />===============<br /><br />SATURDAY NIGHT: Clouds thicken, less wind and colder! Low: -7. Winds: NNE 5. Wind Chill: -10F to -15F<br />SUNDAY:Light snow likely, light coating of light fully snow. High: 12. Winds: SSE 5-10. Wind Chill:&nbsp; -10F to -15F<br />SUNDAY NIGHT: Chance of light snow early. Low: 4. Winds: SSW 5-10. Wind Chill: -5F to -10F<br />MONDAY: Gray skies, not as cold. High: 20. Wind: Turns WNW 5-10<br />TUESDAY: Another shot of cold air. Wake-up: 1. High: 9.<br />WEDNESDAY: Blue sky, no spring fever yet. Wake-up: -6. High: 4.<br />THURSDAY: Cloudy, breezy, turning milder Wake-up: -2. High: 12.<br />FRIDAY: Clearing and cooler. Wake-up: 4. High: 21.<br />SATURDAY: Chance of light snow, warmer. Wake-up: 12. High: 28.<br /><br />================= <br /><br /><strong>This Day in Weather History<br />February 15th</strong><br />1921: Early blast of spring weather invades Minnesota. Thunderstorms were reported across the southern portion of the state. Winona had a high of 67.<br /><br />===============<br /><br /><strong>Average High/Low for Minneapolis<br />February 15th</strong><br />Average High: 29F (Record: 63F set in 1921)<br />Average Low: 13F (Record: -25F set in 1875)<br /><br />=================<br /><br /><strong>Sunrise/Sunset Times for Minneapolis<br />February 15th</strong><br />Sunrise: 7:13am<br />Sunset: 5:42pm<br /><br />=================<br /><br /><strong>Moon Phase for February 15th at Midnight<br />2.7 Days Before New Moon</strong><br /><br /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423930693_2.14.15 moon.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423930693_2.14.15%20moon.jpg" style="height: 262px; width: 263px;" /><br /><br />====================<br /><br /><strong>Minneapolis Temperature Trend</strong><br />Cold weather looks to persist has we head through the end of February. Note that temperatures looks to stay well below average through much of the week ahead. We could certainly see several day with lows below zero too!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423930792_2.14.15 MSP temp trend.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423930792_2.14.15%20MSP%20temp%20trend.jpg" style="height: 379px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br />====================<br /><br /><strong>Sunday Weather Outlook</strong><br />It looks like another cold&nbsp;day Sunday, but not nearly as windy&nbsp;as it was on Saturday! Daytime highs (image on left) will warm into the single digits and teens across the state after a VERY cold start to the day. Feels like temperatures (image on right) will still be in the teens below zero by midday/early afternoon.<br /><br /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423932977_2.14.15 sunday temps.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423932977_2.14.15%20sunday%20temps.jpg" style="height: 399px; width: 600px;" /><br /><br /><strong>Sunday Weather Continued...</strong><br />A fast moving clipper system will slide through the region on Sunday bringing light snow back into the picture. Keep in&nbsp;mind that due to the cold temperature, the snow will be light and fluffy and it could add up to 1"&nbsp;across the northern half of the state.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423933314_2.14.15 sunday weather.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423933314_2.14.15%20sunday%20weather.jpg" style="height: 399px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Sunday Snow Potential</strong><br />Another fast moving clipper system will brush the region with a little light snow on Sunday. Due to cold temperature, this snow is expected to be very light and fluffy and could add up to 1" in some areas, mainly across the northern half of the state. My concern; remember all that ice we had about a week ago? There will likely be icy spots in driveways, sidewalks, streets and parking lots that get covered up on Sunday. This may make for a hidden slipping danger!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423937339_2.14.15 MN simu.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423937339_2.14.15%20MN%20simu.gif" style="height: 383px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Sunday Snow Potential</strong><br />Here's a peak at what we could be dealing with in terms of snow potential on Sunday. Note that there doesn't appear to be much accumulation across the state. I could see up to 1" possible in some areas across the northern half of the state. The farther south you go, snowfall amounts will be much less to nothing at all.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423937723_2.14.15 MN snow.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423937723_2.14.15%20MN%20snow.jpg" style="height: 427px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>National Weather Outlook</strong><br />Take a look at that storm system in the Northeast! Wild weather including heavy snow and near hurricane force wind gusts will be associated with that thing as it roars through the region late weekend/early next week. Also note the developing system across the southern tier of the nation... this will threaten to bring a wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet and snow to some areas, which could cause some major travel concerns early next week!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423943381_2.14.15 NDFD.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423943381_2.14.15%20NDFD.gif" style="height: 402px; width: 581px;" /></strong><br /><br />"<strong>Bombogenesis"</strong><br />Bombogenesis is a term given to a storm system that rapidly intensifies by 24mb within a 24 hour period. Take a look at the storm progression in to images below. From AM Saturday to AM Sunday the central pressure of the storm is expected to drop nearly by 30mb within that time period! Interestingly, the storm COULD bottom out with a central pressure around 955mb similar to that of Hurricane Eduoard during the 2014 Atlantic Hurricane Season!<br /><br /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423942398_2.14.15 bombo.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423942398_2.14.15%20bombo.jpg" style="height: 543px; width: 600px;" /><br /><br /><strong>Boston Blizzard</strong><br />The perverbial calm before the storm on Friday gave way to snowy conditions through the day Saturday. Snow and wind intensities will quickly ramp up overnight Saturday thru Sunday with wind gusts approaching 40mph-50mph into Sunday! With up to another foot of snow expected for Boston, heavy winds are expected to create blizzard conditions through AM Monday across the coastal communities of the Northern New England States!<br />Check the latest Earthcam.com from Boston HERE:<br /><br /><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.earthcam.com/usa/massachusetts/boston/?cam=boston_hd" href="http://www.earthcam.com/usa/massachusetts/boston/?cam=boston_hd"><em>(Image captured midday Saturday)</em></a><br /><br /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423935250_2.14.15 Bos cam.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423935250_2.14.15%20Bos%20cam.jpg" style="height: 334px; width: 600px;" /><br /><br /><strong>Latest Winter Weather Headlines</strong><br />Take a look all the weather headlines that have been posted for the Northeast. From Blizzard Warnings (red) to&nbsp;High Wind Warnings (brown) and Wind Chill Warnings (dull blue), the latest storm system will have significant and wide reaching impacts across the Northeast through early next week.<br /><br />Here's the latest from the National Weather Service out of Boston, MA:<br />...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 7 AM EST MONDAY... ...WIND CHILL WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM SUNDAY TO 8 AM EST MONDAY...<br />* LOCATIONS...EAST COASTAL MASSACHUSETTS.<br />* HAZARD TYPES...BLIZZARD CONDITIONS...INCLUDING HEAVY SNOW... POOR VISIBILITIES...AND STRONG TO DAMAGING WINDS. DANGEROUSLY LOW WIND CHILL VALUES.<br /><strong>* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS...10 TO 14 INCHES. </strong><br />* TIMING...SNOW ARRIVES THIS AFTERNOON AND CONTINUES INTO THIS EVENING. AFTER A BRIEF LULL LATE THIS EVENING...MORE SNOW ARRIVES LATE TONIGHT. THE WORST CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED TO BE LATE TONIGHT INTO EARLY MONDAY MORNING.<br />* IMPACTS...TRAVEL WILL BECOME NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE AND POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING DUE TO WHITEOUT CONDITIONS AND BITTERLY COLD WIND CHILLS. CONDITIONS WILL REMAIN DANGEROUS FOR TRAVEL WELL INTO SUNDAY DUE TO BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW...REDUCED VISIBILITY AND DANGEROUSLY COLD WIND CHILLS. POWER OUTAGES CAN BE EXPECTED AT SOME LOCATIONS DUE TO VERY STRONG WINDS.<br /><strong>* WINDS...NORTHWEST 25 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 60 MPH. </strong><br />* VISIBILITIES...ONE QUARTER MILE OR LESS AT TIMES.<br />*WIND CHILL READINGS...AS LOW AS 28 BELOW.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423935706_2.14.15 NE warns.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423935706_2.14.15%20NE%20warns.jpg" style="height: 451px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>AM Sunday Weather Outlook</strong><br />The height of the storm appears to be early Sunday as heavy snow and strong winds will be pelting the Northeast. The image below suggests the storm location and intensity by 7AM ET Sunday. Note how close the isobars (black lines) are together... this tight pressure gradient will allow for a large and intense wind field; winds will likely gust to 40mph-60mph along the coast. Power outages may be a big concerns, especially with the cold air moving in behind the storm!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423936351_2.14.15 NE GFS.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423936351_2.14.15%20NE%20GFS.jpg" style="height: 461px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Strong Winds in the Northeast</strong><br />This is what the surface wind field looks like by midday Sunday. Note the reds, mainly offshore on the western edge of the storm... these are winds of nearly 40mph to 60mph, which will likely impact folks near the coast! Again, power outages could be a major concern with this storm, especially with the temperature drop expected into early next week!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423936945_2.14.15 NE wind.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423936945_2.14.15%20NE%20wind.jpg" style="height: 453px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Stormy Pattern Continues</strong><br />Take a look at this little bugger early next week. Moisture will be spreading northeast into a cold airmass, which will create some wintry precip concerns. There's a chance of snow, sleet and freezing rain from the Middle Mississippi Valley to the Ohio/Tennessee Valley and the Mid-Atlantic Region. Interestingly, this storm looks to take aim on the Northeast once again with more snow potential by midweek!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423941089_2.14.15 monday.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423941089_2.14.15%20monday.jpg" style="height: 462px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Another Snow Event For the Northeast?</strong><br />Say in ain't snow... This is unreal! Extended model runs are suggesting yet another potential snow event for the Northeast by the middle of next week... stay tuned for more! Note the big plunge of cold weather that looks to be invading much of the eastern two-thirds of the nation during this time!<br /><br /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423941376_2.14.15 Wed.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423941376_2.14.15%20Wed.jpg" style="height: 461px; width: 600px;" /><br /><br /><strong>National Extended Temperature Outlook</strong><br />According to NOAA's CPC, the 8 to 14 day temperature outlook looks to stay much colder than average across the eastern two-thirds of the nation through the end of the month. However, the western third of the nation looks and especially California, looks to stay much warmer than average!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423932401_2.14.15 CPC.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423932401_2.14.15%20CPC.jpg" style="height: 626px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>California Drought</strong><br />According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, as of February 10th, nearly 40% of California was considered to be in an EXTREME DROUGHT! The good news is that this is less than what it was 3 months ago, but we still need A LOT more moisture!!<br /><br /><em>"According to the California Department of Water Resources, California’s snowpack (snow water equivalent) is currently at 27% of normal. On a more positive note, runoff associated with the precipitation event (1 week ago)&nbsp;provided the addition of approximately 500,000 acre feet of inflow to the four major reservoirs (Folsom, Oroville, Shasta, and Trinity) in northern California. In response to the storm, a one-category improvement was made to areas of Extreme Drought (D3) in northwestern California as well as in the Santa Cruz Mountains (between San Francisco and Santa Cruz) and in the northern half of the Santa Lucia Range along the Central Coast. No changes were made on the map in the Sierra Nevada Range because snowpack conditions remain well below normal."</em><br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423934666_2.14.15 ca us drought.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423934666_2.14.15%20ca%20us%20drought.jpg" style="height: 379px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><b>"NASA: The U.S. Faces "Mega Drought" Not Seen in 1,000 Years"</b><br />Check out this story from Science.Mic about the record-shattering drought that is currently gripping California:<br /><br /><em>"Scientists have bad news for West Coasters in the grips of the worst drought in decades: The worst is yet to come.&nbsp;<span style="line-height: 1.6em;">The&nbsp;record-shattering&nbsp;drought currently gripping California is a light crudité compared to the "mega-drought" that's expected to envelop the Southwest and Great Plains over the next 35 years,&nbsp;NASA revealed Thursday. The full study, ominously named "Unprecedented 21st century drought risk in the American Southwest and Central Plains," was published in&nbsp;Science Advances."</span></em><br /><br /><a data-cke-saved-href="http://mic.com/articles/110574/nasa-the-us-faces-a-mega-drought-not-seen-in-1-000-years?utm_source=huffingtonpost.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=pubexchange_facebook" href="http://mic.com/articles/110574/nasa-the-us-faces-a-mega-drought-not-seen-in-1-000-years?utm_source=huffingtonpost.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=pubexchange_facebook">See more from Science.Mic HERE:</a><br />(<em>Image credit: Getty Images via Science.Mic)</em><br /><br /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423934490_2.14.15 ca drought.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423934490_2.14.15%20ca%20drought.jpg" style="height: 181px; width: 400px;" /><br /><br /><strong>Thanks for checking in and have a great rest of your weekend! Don't forget to follow me on Twitter @TNelsonWX</strong><br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423940837_Todd Professional.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423940837_Todd%20Professional.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 200px;" /></strong>Paul Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119711149976645625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575361857149684460.post-55857702293252697162015-02-13T19:19:00.000-06:002015-02-13T19:19:57.265-06:00Cold and Windy Valentine's Day Ahead<strong>Happy Valentine's Day!</strong><br />This is probably one of the more clever Valentine's notes I've seen in a long time... Thanks to @BeerBrewin for the laugh!<br /><br /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423837577_2.11.15 raptor.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423837577_2.11.15%20raptor.JPG" style="height: 650px; width: 450px;" /><br /><br />=============<br /><br /><strong>Frozen. The Sequel<br />By Paul Douglas</strong><br /><br />Let it go. If Disney built a theme park to celebrate the last ice age it might resemble the scene outside your window right now. A cosmetic coating of crunchy snow &amp; ice; window-whistling winds; a wind chill dipping to -25F at times? After going soft on us in January Old Man Winter is baring his fangs.<br />Disclaimer: our winter is still a walk in the park, a tame kiddy ride compared to the white knuckle, scream-worthy winter unfolding in Boston, where another blizzard is shaping up for tomorrow. A foot of new snow. No idea where they're going to push the new snow. Boston Harbor?<br /><br />Maybe we'll pick up some snow in March, which was once our snowiest month of the year (now it's January, at least in theory).<br /><br />A low-grade El Nino is still whisking big storms well south of Minnesota, keeping us in a cold, dry west/northwest flow aloft. A series of cold fronts bully their way south of the border; more subzero lows by the middle of next week, but no records - nothing out of the ordinary for the latter half of February.<br /><br />I see hints of a milder, Pacific breeze returning the last few days of February, maybe a rapid thaw in March. On that hopeful, heart-warming note: happy Valentine's Day!<br /><br />=============<br /><br />FRIDAY NIGHT: Arctic front arrives. Window-rattling wind and colder! Low: -1. Winds: NW 15-30. Wind Chill: -5F to -15F.<br />SATURDAY: Blue sky, bitter wind! Wind chill: -15F to -25F early. High: 7. Winds: NW 15-30 early.<br />SATURDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, less wind and colder! Low: -7. Winds: N 5-10.<br />SUNDAY:Cloudy, up to 1" of fluffy snow. High: 11. Winds: SSE 5-10<br />MONDAY: Gray skies, not as cold. Wake-up: 4. High: 21.<br />TUESDAY: Another shot of cold air. Wake-up: 1. High: 9.<br />WEDNESDAY: Blue sky, no spring fever yet. Wake-up: -5. High: 8.<br />THURSDAY: Cloudy, breezy, turning milder Wake-up: 3. High: 32.<br />FRIDAY: Clearing and cooler. Wake-up: 24. High: 27.<br /><br />=============<br /><br /><strong>This Day in Weather History<br />February 14th</strong><br />1923: Black Dust Blizzard ended after two days. Dirt from North Dakota created "dark drifts."<br /><br />===============<br /><br /><strong>Average High/Low for Minneapolis<br />February 14th</strong><br />Average High: 29F (Record 29F set in 1882)<br />Average Low: 12F (Record -25F set in 1875)<br /><br />================<br /><br /><strong>Sunrise/Sunrise for Minneapolis<br />February 14th</strong><br />Sunrise: 7:15am<br />Sunset: 5:40pm<br /><br />================<br /><br /><strong>Moon Phase for February 14th at Midnight<br />3.1 Day After Last Quarter</strong><br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423830396_2.13.15 Moon Phase.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423830396_2.13.15%20Moon%20Phase.JPG" style="height: 254px; width: 254px;" /></strong><br /><br />==================<br /><br /><strong>Minneapolis Temperature Trend</strong><br />Cold weather makes a return this weekend and through much of next week after the passage of an Arctic front Friday night. A near continuous northwest flow keeps temperatures much colder than average through, what appears to be, much of the rest of the month.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423830518_2.13.15 MSP Temp Trend.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423830518_2.13.15%20MSP%20Temp%20Trend.JPG" style="height: 380px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Strong Winds PM Friday/AM Saturday</strong><br />An Arctic front will slam through the Upper Midwest overnight Friday through Saturday and kick up some major winds. Take a look at what the wind gusts look like by 7AM Saturday! Some locations could see wind gusts approaching 30mph to 40mph, while the south shore of Lake Superior could see wind gusts to near 50mph+<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423838320_2.13.15 blog11.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423838320_2.13.15%20blog11.JPG" style="height: 319px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Dangerous Wind Chills PM Friday/AM Saturday</strong><br />As the Arctic air spills south of the Canadian border and combines with strong gusty winds... AM Saturday wind chills could be extremely cold! Note that there appears to be widespread -20s to near -40s wind chills values across much of the Upper Mississippi Valley! I could even see some locations near the international border drop<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423838499_2.13.15 blog12.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423838499_2.13.15%20blog12.JPG" style="height: 380px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Saturday Weather Outlook</strong><br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423838135_2.13.15 MN Sat Temps.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423838135_2.13.15%20MN%20Sat%20Temps.jpg" style="height: 395px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Saturday Weather Outlook Continued</strong><br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423838162_2.13.15 MN sat weather.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423838162_2.13.15%20MN%20sat%20weather.jpg" style="height: 397px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>National Weather Outlook</strong><br />Take a look at the Arctic front that slams through the Upper Midwest/Great Lakes Region through the early weekend. Temperatures will take a significant hit as this cold air spills south the border. Note also how the storm system quickly intensifies as it moves east of the Great Lakes Region. Strong winds and heavy snow will be a major concern for folks in the Northeast Saturday and Sunday.<br /><br /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423872925_2.13.15 NDFD.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423872925_2.13.15%20NDFD.gif" style="height: 402px; width: 581px;" /><br /><br /><strong>Another Boston Blizzard?</strong><br />This was the view from Boston, Mass from Friday morning. Note the bright blue sky! Yes, the calm before the storm... Keep in mind that through Friday, Boston has seen 42.3" of snow through the first 13 days of February and it is already their 2nd snowiest February in recorded history! They only need another 1" to tie the snowiest February on record of 43.3" set in January 2005. With the potential of yet another 12" on the way this weekend, Boston will surely set a new record for the snowiest February on record and the only is only half over!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423844655_2.13.15 blog2.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423844655_2.13.15%20blog2.JPG" style="height: 427px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423844671_2.13.15 blog3.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423844671_2.13.15%20blog3.JPG" style="height: 426px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Blizzard Potential</strong><br />The National Weather Service has issued Blizzard Watches and Winter Storm Watches for a large chunk of the Northeast and mainly along the coast north of New York... which again includes Boston!<br /><br />...BLIZZARD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY EVENING THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING...<br />* LOCATIONS...EAST COASTAL MASSACHUSETTS.<br />* HAZARD TYPES...BLIZZARD CONDITIONS...INCLUDING HEAVY SNOW... POOR VISIBILITIES...AND STRONG TO DAMAGING WINDS.<br />* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS...8 TO 12 INCHES.<br />* TIMING...SATURDAY EVENING INTO SUNDAY EVENING.<br />* IMPACTS...LATE SATURDAY INTO SUNDAY BLIZZARD CONDITIONS COULD MAKE TRAVELING DIFFICULT IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE. BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW COMBINED WITH STRONG WINDS MAY CREATE PROBLEMS FOR UNCLEARED ROOFS.<br />* WINDS...NORTH 30 TO 40 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 75 MPH. * VISIBILITIES...ONE QUARTER MILE OR LESS AT TIMES.<br /><br /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423874202_2.13.15 NE warns.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423874202_2.13.15%20NE%20warns.jpg" style="height: 449px; width: 600px;" /><br /><br /><strong>Blizzard Potential Index</strong><br />According to our proprietary BPI (Blizzard Potential Index) we're getting significant feedback on the potential for blizzard conditions from near Boston and Cape Cod to Maine during the first half of Sunday...<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423845530_2.13.15 Boston BPI.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423845530_2.13.15%20Boston%20BPI.jpg" style="height: 702px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Tightly Wound Storm</strong><br />An Arctic front will inject a serious shot of cold air on the backside of this storm, which ultimately will help to intensify this storm system so rapidly! Note the black lines below. Those are isobars and when they get close together, the wind blows quite strongly! Wind speeds could actually reach hurricane force (74mph+) along the coast and just offshore! With heavy snow... this could be a major issue!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423844960_2.13.15 NE Storm.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423844960_2.13.15%20NE%20Storm.JPG" style="height: 460px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Large Wind Field</strong><br />This is a forecast of what the wind field will look like by AM Sunday... Note how widespread the strong winds will be! However, the strongest winds look to be confined near the coast from the Mid-Atlantic to the Downeast Maine. Again, winds in these areas could approach 50mph to 70mph!<br /><br /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423845113_2.13.15 blog5.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423845113_2.13.15%20blog5.JPG" style="height: 381px; width: 600px;" /><br /><br /><strong>Closer Look...</strong><br />Note the potential hurricane force (74mph+) wind gusts just offshore!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423845234_2.13.15 blog6.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423845234_2.13.15%20blog6.JPG" style="height: 347px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Heavy Snow!</strong><br />This is what the storm is forecast to look like by AM Sunday with heavy snow falling from near Long Island&nbsp; to Maine<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423845320_2.13.15 blog7.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423845320_2.13.15%20blog7.JPG" style="height: 338px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Heavy Snow</strong><br />Incredibly, snowfall potential in the Northeast looks quite extreme once again; this after nearly 60" to 70" in spots over the past 2 to 3 weeks.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423845942_2.13.15 blog8.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423845942_2.13.15%20blog8.JPG" style="height: 451px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Marquette, MI Blizzard</strong><br />This was the view from Northern Michigan University early Friday as snow started falling on the campus. Marquette in under a Blizzard Warning thru 10pm Saturday!<br /><br />...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 10 PM EST SATURDAY... HAZARDOUS WEATHER...<br />* WINDS WILL INCREASE OUT OF THE NORTHWEST THIS EVENING BEHIND A STRONG COLD FRONT...WITH GUSTS UP TO 30 MPH. THEN AS WINDS SHIFT TO THE NORTH LATE TONIGHT...WINDS OF 25 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 50 MPH WILL COMBINE WITH LAKE EFFECT SNOW TO PRODUCE SIGNIFICANT BLOWING SNOW AND WHITE OUT CONDITIONS ALONG LAKE SUPERIOR THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON. INLAND FROM LAKE SUPERIOR...WINDS WILL BE 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 35 MPH LATE TONIGHT INTO SATURDAY.<br />* LOW WIND CHILLS OF 25 TO 35 BELOW ZERO ARE EXPECTED LATE TONIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY.<br />* AFTER LIGHT SNOW TODAY...LAKE EFFECT SNOW WILL INCREASE TONIGHT. STORM TOTAL SNOWFALL OF 4 TO 9 INCHES IS EXPECTED ALONG LAKE SUPERIOR BY SATURDAY NIGHT...WITH THE HEAVIEST SNOW OCCURRING LATE TONIGHT INTO SATURDAY MORNING OVER EASTERN MARQUETTE AND WESTERN ALGER COUNTIES. LESS THAN 2 INCHES OF SNOW IS FORECAST OVER SOUTHWEST MARQUETTE COUNTY...NEAR WITCH LAKE AND ARNOLD.<br /><br /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423846544_2.13.15 MQT1.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423846544_2.13.15%20MQT1.JPG" style="height: 425px; width: 600px;" /><br /><br /><strong>Cold Temperatures</strong><br />This is what temperatures look like a few thousand feet off the ground. Note the significant blob of Arctic air (purples, reds and whites) crashing south of the international border by Saturday. This will quickly dive southeast along with the Arctic front.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423846853_2.13.15 850mb temps.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423846853_2.13.15%20850mb%20temps.JPG" style="height: 449px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Highs From Average Saturday</strong><br />This is what the departure from average high map looks like for Saturday. Note that the blob of Arctic air mention above will drag temperatures down into the -10F to near -30F below average! across the Midwest/Great Lakes Region.<br /><br /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423873857_2.13.15 Highs from avg sat.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423873857_2.13.15%20Highs%20from%20avg%20sat.jpg" style="height: 412px; width: 600px;" /><br /><br /><strong>Cold Temps</strong><br />Extended model runs suggest yet another blob of cold Arctic air heading south of the border into the middle part of next week. This one however looks potentially a little more widespread across the eastern U.S..<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423846873_2.13.15 wed temps.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423846873_2.13.15%20wed%20temps.JPG" style="height: 451px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Highs From Average Wednesday</strong><br />The cold air mass mentioned above for next Wednesday looks to bring significantly colder air to quite a bit more of the nation. In fact, readings across much of the eastern two-thirds of the nation look to be nearly -10F to 20F below average!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423873953_2.13.15 highs from avg wed.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423873953_2.13.15%20highs%20from%20avg%20wed.jpg" style="height: 414px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Thanks for checking in and have a great weekend ahead! Don't forget to follow me on Twitter @TNelsonWX</strong><br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423874314_Todd Professional.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423874314_Todd%20Professional.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 200px;" /></strong>Paul Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119711149976645625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575361857149684460.post-16265142247834487052015-02-12T17:13:00.000-06:002015-02-12T17:13:22.444-06:00Another Arctic Front Arrives Friday Night<br /><strong>Ring Around the Moon or Sun, Then Rain or Snow Will Surely Come...</strong><br /><strong></strong>That's the old adage as high clouds precede a storm system. These high cirrus clouds are made up of plate-like ice crystals and bend/reflect sunlight into a circular shape around the sun. You'll tend to see this 12 to 24 hours in advance of any precipitation... this was the view of the sky midday Thursday prior to the light snow event expected PM Thursday/AM Friday.<br /><br /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423781913_2.12.15 Sun.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423781913_2.12.15%20Sun.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 400px;" /><br /><br />E-mail Escalation<br />By Paul Douglas<br /><br />This is the time of year my friend on Marco Island, Florida sends me e-mails with photo attachments of the beach, his fishing boat, a bank thermometer flashing 80 degrees. What a dear, dear friend. I guess it almost compensates for the satellite and radar images of hurricanes I text him in August, when he's glued to The Weather Channel.<br /><br />A steady supply of fresh, dry Canadian air inoculates us from storms with names but yes, the cold can get old after a time.<br /><br />The next 2 weeks will trend colder than average as Canada springs a leak; one wave of numbing air after another. Not polar cold, nothing like last winter, but cold enough to get your attention. After poking into the 20s Friday, the mercury tumbles Friday night; a wind chill of 20 below Saturday morning. I may sleep in 'til the crack of March at this rate. A cold weekend gives way to a few milder blips of 20s next Monday and Thursday. Otherwise look for highs in the teens with 2 or 3 nights dipping below zero. Not unusual for mid February.<br /><br />It could be worse. You could be living in Boston. The city has been submerged under 6 to 8 feet of snow in the last 3 weeks and another blizzard is brewing for Sunday. Almost surreal.<br /><br />==============<br /><br />THURSDAY NIGHT: Another clipper, snow likely overnight. Light coating of snow possible by daybreak Friday. Low: 7. Wind: S 5.<br />FRIDAY: Lingering flakes early. Partly sunny, closer to average. High: 28. Winds: Turning NNW 5-15<br />FRIDAY NIGHT: Arctic front arrive late. Few flakes, blustery and colder. Low: -3. Winds: NW 15-25. Wind Chill: -5F to -15F.<br />SATURDAY: Blue sky, bitter wind! Wind chill: -10F to -20F. High: 7<br />SUNDAY:Clouds, few flurries. Wake-up: -5. High: 11<br />MONDAY: Cloudy, slight moderation. Wake-up: 6. High: 27.<br />TUESDAY: Peeks of sun, Canadian breeze. Wake-up: 3. High: 9.<br />WEDNESDAY: Sunny, still colder than average. Wake-up: -2. High: 10.<br />THURSDAY: Feeble clipper, more flurries. Wake-up: 2. High: 25.<br /><br />=================<br /><br /><strong>This Day in Weather History<br />February13th</strong><br />1872: Snowstorm buries Sibley County with 12 foot drifts, many people perished in the storm.<br />1866: What may be Minnesota's' "Greatest Blizzard." It lasted for three days and buried barns in drifts. Luckily, it began at night when many people were at home.<br />1838: In the days before Tower... At 2:00 am the mercury thermometer at Ft. Snelling froze at 40 below. The actual temperature is unknown.<br /><br />==================<br /><br /><strong>Average High/Low for Minneapolis<br />February 13th</strong><br />Average High: 28F (Record: 51F set in 1890)<br />Average Low: 12F (Record: -23F set in 1905)<br /><br />===================<br /><br /><strong>Sunrise/Sunset Times for Minneapolis<br />February 13th</strong><br />Sunrise: 7:16am<br />Sunset: 5:38pm<br /><br />===================<br /><br /><strong>Moon Phase for February 12th at Midnight<br />2.1 Day After Last Quarter</strong><br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423744804_2.12.15 moon phase.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423744804_2.12.15%20moon%20phase.JPG" style="height: 253px; width: 254px;" /></strong><br /><br />======================<br /><br /><strong>Minneapolis Temperature Trend</strong><br />Cold weather continues over the next several days with temperatures running well below average by Valentine's Day Saturday! According to extended model runs, we may get back to near average by the end of next week, but cold weather may just stick around through the end of the month!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423744902_2.12.15 MSP Temp Trend.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423744902_2.12.15%20MSP%20Temp%20Trend.JPG" style="height: 383px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br />========================<br /><br /><strong>Thursday Night/AM Friday Clipper</strong><br />A fast moving clipper will quickly burst through the region late Thursday through AM Friday with a light, fluffy coating of snow. Roads AM Friday could be a little slick, but weather conditions quickly improve through the day Friday.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423751680_2.12.15 MN SimuRadar.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423751680_2.12.15%20MN%20SimuRadar.gif" style="height: 383px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Quick Coating of Snow</strong><br />Here's a look at the light snow accumulation potential across the Upper Midwest from PM Thursday/AM Friday. I could see a up to 1" of light, fluffy snow across parts of of the state, but most will stay under the 0.5" mark.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423752047_2.12.15 MN Snow.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423752047_2.12.15%20MN%20Snow.jpg" style="height: 424px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Friday Weather Outlook</strong><br />Post clipper, temperatures will warm into the 20s and 30s across the southern part of the state, but it'll still feel a bit chilly! Feels like temperatures around midday/early afternoon (image on right) will feel more like the teens across southern MN, while feels like temperatures across the northern part of the state will likely stay in the sub-zero range.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423751506_2.12.15 MN Temps.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423751506_2.12.15%20MN%20Temps.jpg" style="height: 398px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Friday Weather Outlook Continued</strong><br />The images below show our latest clipper moving quickly into the Great Lakes Region by midday/early afternoon with winds picking up out of the northwest a little more by late afternoon/evening.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423751531_2.12.15 MN weather.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423751531_2.12.15%20MN%20weather.jpg" style="height: 398px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Saturday Weather Outlook</strong><br />Another fast moving impulse of energy will blast through the region PM Friday/AM Saturday with another surge of Arctic air. It will be denoted by VERY strong winds, which will rattle windows early Saturday morning. Take a look at the wind speeds/gusts by 7AM Saturday.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423753027_2.12.15 Sat winds.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423753027_2.12.15%20Sat%20winds.jpg" style="height: 397px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Saturday Temperature Outlook</strong><br />Arctic weather conditions will be widespread on Saturday morning with actually air temperatures for most in the single digits and teen below zero, while strong winds will whip up nasty wind chills of -20F to -40F (nearly -50F across far northern MN)!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423753347_2.12.15 Sat Temps.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423753347_2.12.15%20Sat%20Temps.jpg" style="height: 399px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>National Weather Outlook</strong><br />Continued clippers will result in more snow across parts of the Midwest, Great Lakes and eventually into the Northeast. Take a look at the end of the loop as a developing storm system looks to intensify quickly over the weekend as Arctic air get injected into it... Extended model runs are suggesting another storm on the way for folks in the Northeast!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423758178_2.12.15 NDFD.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423758178_2.12.15%20NDFD.gif" style="height: 402px; width: 581px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Weekend Storm in the Northeast</strong><br />Again, extended model runs continue to suggests a fairly potent storm system wrapping up over the Northeast this weekend with lots of wind and heavy snowfall potential. Keep an eye on this one if you're planning any travel in this area through early next week!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423758448_2.12.15 ne storm.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423758448_2.12.15%20ne%20storm.JPG" style="height: 461px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Northeast Snowfall Potential</strong><br />This is a peak at the snowfall potential through 6pm Sunday for folks in the Northeast. Keep in mind that this will likely change, but there certainly is the potential for additional shovelable/plowable snow for folks that don't really need anymore on top of what they've already seen over the past 2 to 3 weeks.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423758909_2.12.15 NE Snow1.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423758909_2.12.15%20NE%20Snow1.JPG" style="height: 455px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Drought Update</strong><br />Did you know that most of Minnesota is considered to be abnormally dry? Yes, in fact, some areas across northwestern Minnesota are in the MODERATE DROUGHT category! At this rate, with the lack of snow this winter, spring flooding may not be a big issue this year!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423759233_2.12.15 mn drought.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423759233_2.12.15%20mn%20drought.jpg" style="height: 366px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>U.S. Drought Monitor</strong><br />According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, nearly 52% of the country is considered to be abnormally dry, with 29% considered to be in a MODERATE DROUGHT. Interestingly, nearly 3% of the nation is considered to be in an EXCEPTIONAL DROUGHT, much of which is still located in California. Nearly 40% of the state of California is considered to be in an EXCEPTIONAL DROUGHT.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423759458_2.12.15 drought.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423759458_2.12.15%20drought.jpg" style="height: 402px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Precipitation Outlook</strong><br />According to NOAA, the 5 day precipitation outlook looks still fairly active in the Northeast through early next week. The only spot that looks completely dry is California!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423759679_2.12.15 NAT 5 day.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423759679_2.12.15%20NAT%205%20day.JPG" style="height: 425px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>NWS Experimental Adaptive Forecast Page</strong><br />I am always looking for good weather apps to put on my phone... Here's one from the National Weather Service. It's really not an App, but more of a widget that you can put on your phone to keep up to date with your local weather. Check it out!<br /><br />Load it on your smart phone HERE: <a data-cke-saved-href="http://innovation.srh.noaa.gov/NWSwidget" href="http://innovation.srh.noaa.gov/NWSwidget">http://innovation.srh.noaa.gov/NWSwidget</a><br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423760089_2.12.15 nws app.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423760089_2.12.15%20nws%20app.JPG" style="height: 448px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Thanks for checking in and have a great rest of your week and weekend ahead! Don't forget to follow me on Twitter @TNelsonWX</strong><br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423759812_todd nelson proff.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423759812_todd%20nelson%20proff.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 200px;" /></strong>Paul Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119711149976645625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575361857149684460.post-9639844322884405882015-02-11T18:59:00.000-06:002015-02-11T18:59:25.455-06:00Comfortably Numb<img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423683558_2.11.15 sun.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423683558_2.11.15%20sun.jpg" style="height: 338px; width: 450px;" /><br /><br />Comfortably Numb<br />By Paul Douglas<br /><br />It's human nature to compare and contrast, and believe the grass is greener elsewhere. A few people have complained about the minor league cold wave shaping up for the next 10 days. I had to gently remind them that factoring snow, cold and wind chill this winter is a pale imitation of what we slogged through last year; a true pioneer winter - the worst in 30 years.<br /><br />Welcome to the 16th subzero morning of winter, to date. A year ago we had already endured 41 nights of negative fun. The coldest air temperature so far this winter: -11F. Last winter: -23F. Based on heating degree days winter is 2 percent warmer than the running 30-year average - last winter was 10 percent colder. A year ago nearly 40 inches of snow had fallen; this winter 23.6 inches and holding. Not even close.<br /><br />A southern storm may brush Minnesota with snow late Monday into Tuesday but dry weather prevails into next week as Canada burps a series of cold fronts south of the border. I would describe this as moderately cold air, not the shuddering, shriek-worthy, get-me-out-of-here scoop of Siberian suffering of last winter.<br /><br />This too shall pass; long range models hinting at a Pacific thaw by the end of February.<br /><br />============<br /><br />WEDNESDAY NIGHT: A few flakes? Much colder, biting wind. Low: -3. Winds: NNW 15-25. Wind Chill: -10F to -25F<br />THURSDAY: -20F wind chill early! Blue sky, light winds and partially numb. High: 11. Wind: NNW turning SW 5-10.<br />THURSDAY NIGHT: Another clipper, snow likely overnight. Light coating of snow possible by daybreak Friday. Low: 9. Wind: S 5.<br />FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy, closer to average. High: 27<br />SATURDAY: Blue sky, bitter wind! Wind chill: -15. Wake-up: -2. High: 9<br />SUNDAY: More clouds than sun. Wake-up: -9. High: 8<br />MONDAY: Light snow possible late. Wake-up: 4. High: 20.<br />TUESDAY: Partial clearing, turning colder. Wake-up: 10. High: 12.<br />WEDNESDAY: Partly sunny, still a bit numb. Wake-up: -6. High: 11.<br /><br />==============<br /><br /><strong>This Day in Weather History<br />February 12th</strong><br /><br />1988: For warm weather...head west! Duluth had a temperature of 31 below zero, while Rapid City was sitting at 59.<br /><br />1872: Severe Blizzard hits central Minnesota. The temperature at Litchfield was 34 degrees on the afternoon of the 12th, and fell to -20 by the morning of the 13th. At least 6 people died in Meeker County alone.<br /><br />===============<br /><br /><strong>Average High/Low for Minneapolis<br />February 12th</strong><br />Average High: 28F (Record: 59F set in 1990)<br />Average Low: 12F (Record: -30F set in 1875)<br /><br />===============<br /><br /><strong>Sunrise/Sunset Times for Minneapolis<br />February 12th</strong><br />Sunrise: 7:18am<br />Sunset: 5:37pm<br /><br />===============<br /><br /><strong>Moon Phase for February 12th at Midnight<br />1.1 Days After Last Quarter</strong><br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423658538_2.11.15 moon phase.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423658538_2.11.15%20moon%20phase.JPG" style="height: 251px; width: 254px;" /></strong><br /><br />====================<br /><br /><strong>Minneapolis Temperature Trend</strong><br />Ready for another round of cold weather? Take a look at the temperature trend below through the middle and end of February... we're getting some indications that it'll be chilly through much of next week too!! BRR!!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423658726_2.11.15 MSP Temp Trend.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423658726_2.11.15%20MSP%20Temp%20Trend.JPG" style="height: 378px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Wind Chill Advisory</strong><br />...WIND CHILL ADVISORY IN EFFECT THRU 8 AM CST THURSDAY...<br />* WIND CHILL VALUES...25 TO 30 BELOW ZERO.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423662748_2.11.15 MN WindChill.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423662748_2.11.15%20MN%20WindChill.jpg" style="height: 428px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Thursday Weather Outlook</strong><br />Wind chills will be a big deal early Thursday with feels like temperatures down to -20F to -30F across the state. The good news is that wind speeds are expected to diminish through the day, so wind chill values by midday may only be in the 0F to -15F range.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423663293_2.11.15 thurs weather2.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423663293_2.11.15%20thurs%20weather2.jpg" style="height: 398px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Thursday Weather Outlook</strong><br />Actual air temperatures on Thursday will be nearly 15F to 20F below average with highs stuck in the teens and single digits across the state. We will be between clipper during the day Thursday, but another round of light snow will push in PM Thursday/AM Friday.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423663411_2.11.15 thurs weather1.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423663411_2.11.15%20thurs%20weather1.jpg" style="height: 397px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Thursday Night Clipper</strong><br />Take a look at the simulated radar below from AM Wednesday thru AM Friday. Note the second round of light snow that slides through the region PM Thursday/AM Friday. This may be responsible for another light coating of snow, which could make a slightly slower and slippery AM Friday commute.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423664048_2.11.15 mn simuradar.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423664048_2.11.15%20mn%20simuradar.gif" style="height: 383px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Precipitation Outlook</strong><br />According to NOAA's HPC, the 2 day precipitation outlook for parts of Minnesota looks fairly light as our PM Thursday/AM Friday clipper slides through. However, with temperatures as cold as they are, light fluffy snow could add up to nearly 1" in spots!<br /><br /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423664747_2.11.15 MN 2 day.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423664747_2.11.15%20MN%202%20day.JPG" style="height: 409px; width: 600px;" /><br /><br />=============================<br /><br /><strong>Ely, MN</strong><br />This was the view from Ely, MN early Wednesday post clipper earlier this week. There was a little more snow that fell across the northern part of the state due to colder temperatures aloft. The Twin Cities and part of central Minnesota had some issues with freezing rain, sleet and snow due to a little wedge of warmer air aloft with sub-freezing temperatures at the surface.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423667984_2.11.15 ely.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423667984_2.11.15%20ely.jpg" style="height: 404px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Midwest: 48hr Snowfall Analysis</strong><br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423667272_2.11.15 mn snowfall.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423667272_2.11.15%20mn%20snowfall.JPG" style="height: 434px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Northeast: 72hr Snowfall Analysis</strong><br />According to NOAA, the 72hr snowfall analysis shows a fairly large swath of 8" to 10" (light blue) from the Eastern Great Lakes to the Eastern Seaboard. Note that within that swath, there are several locations that saw nearly 12" to 18" + !! Boston Logan saw nearly 2ft. with isolated locations nearing 30" from the storm system earlier this week.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423666080_2.11.15 NE Snow Analysis.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423666080_2.11.15%20NE%20Snow%20Analysis.JPG" style="height: 434px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Too Close for Comfort...</strong><br />Thanks to @LeicesterPD out of Leicester, Mass. for the picture below. Note that there is so much so in parts of the Northeast over the past couple/few weeks, that roads have become almost too narrow for 2 lanes of traffic!<br /><br /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423665901_2.11.15 narrow roads.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423665901_2.11.15%20narrow%20roads.JPG" style="height: 498px; width: 600px;" /><br /><br /><strong>Northeast Snow Analysis</strong><br />Incredibly, there have been several bouts of heavy snow over the past 2 to 3 weeks and the end result has left nearly 2ft to 4ft of snow on the ground in some locations of the Northeast!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423666898_2.11.15 NE Snow2.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423666898_2.11.15%20NE%20Snow2.jpg" style="height: 358px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>2015 National Snow Analysis</strong><br />According to NOAA's NOHRC, nearly 25% of the nation was covered in snow as of February 11th with some of the deepest snow pack across parts of the Northeast and high elevations in the western U.S.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423666555_2.11.15 2015 snow depth.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423666555_2.11.15%202015%20snow%20depth.JPG" style="height: 413px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>2014 National Snow Analysis</strong><br />However, last year at this time, nearly 57% of the nation was covered in snow with the snow coverage as far south as northern Texas!!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423666642_2.11.15 2014 snow depth.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423666642_2.11.15%202014%20snow%20depth.JPG" style="height: 413px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Do You Have a Beacon? Why Not?</strong><br />Did you know that beacons save 240 lives last year? Neither did I! Interestingly, there have already been 5 saved in 2015 using NOAA satellites!<br /><em>Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking</em><br /><br /><em>Around the world...around the clock...NOAA proudly stands watch.&nbsp; As an integral part of worldwide search and rescue, NOAA operates the Search And Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT) System to detect and locate mariners, aviators, and recreational enthusiasts in distress almost anywhere in the world at anytime and in almost any condition.&nbsp;</em><br /><br /><em>The SARSAT system uses NOAA satellites in low-earth and geostationary orbits to detect and locate aviators, mariners, and land-based users in distress. The satellites relay distress signals from emergency beacons to a network of ground stations and ultimately to&nbsp;</em><br /><br /><em>the&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;Mission&nbsp;Control&nbsp;Center&nbsp;(USMCC) in&nbsp;Suitland,&nbsp;Maryland. The USMCC processes the distress signal and alerts the appropriate search and rescue authorities to who is in distress and, more importantly, where they are located. Truly, SARSAT takes the "search" out of search and rescue!</em><br /><em>NOAA-SARSAT is a part of the international Cospas-Sarsat Program to which 41 nations and two independent SAR organizations belong to. To find out more about SARSAT please feel free to explore our website. We hope you enjoy your visit!&nbsp;</em><br /><em>SARSAT - A Lifeline To Survival!</em><br /><br /><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/" href="http://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/">Find out more from NOAA HERE:</a><br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423665084_2.11.15 SARSAT.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423665084_2.11.15%20SARSAT.JPG" style="height: 437px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br />You can read actual accounts from the <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/sarsat_rescues_2014.html" href="http://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/sarsat_rescues_2014.html">SARSAT rescues HERE:</a><br /><br /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423665520_2.11.15 sarsat rescues.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423665520_2.11.15%20sarsat%20rescues.JPG" style="height: 371px; width: 600px;" /><br /><br /><strong>Thanks for checking in and have a great rest of your week! Don't forget to follow me on Twitter @TNelsonWX</strong><br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423665824_todd nelson proff.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423665824_todd%20nelson%20proff.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 200px;" /></strong>Paul Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119711149976645625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575361857149684460.post-36685073162713287002015-02-10T18:14:00.002-06:002015-02-10T18:14:25.890-06:00Windy and Colder Wednesday Ahead<strong>Too Much Snow Boston!</strong><br />It really has been an incredible past couple/few weeks in the Northeast with round after round after round of heavy snowfalls. Here's a picture from earlier this week out of Hollinston, Mass.<br /><br /><em>(Thanks @elaine_hart for the picture out of Holliston, Mass.)</em><br /><br /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423579716_2.10.15 bos snow.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423579716_2.10.15%20bos%20snow.JPG" style="height: 670px; width: 506px;" /><br /><br />Super-Sized<br />By Paul Douglas<br /><br />The next time you watch a network TV reporter out in the weather wait for a predictable tag line: "..and another storm is on the way!" In the curious case of Boston it's true.<br /><br />The city saw 6 feet of snow in less than 3 weeks, 72 inches in the last 30 days, nearly 40 inches on the ground - the most in recorded history. This may have something to do with Gulf Stream water temperatures 11C above normal east of Cape Cod; the meteorological equivalent of throwing gasoline on a campfire.<br /><br />From extreme 7 foot lake effect snows in Buffalo to 200 mph Super Typhoon Haiyan hitting the Philippines, warmer water, worldwide, is turbocharging some storms. The forecast calls for more records.<br /><br />While we scrape out from under another anorexic clipper. Cold exhaust in its wake drops the mercury Wednesday. I see 3 separate slaps of numbing air; single digit highs over the weekend in spite of a pleading sun. Long range GFS guidance shows a thaw the last week of February. You'll be shocked to hear that no snowstorms are brewing, looking out 2 weeks.<br /><br />Meanwhile Boston will be brushed by another blizzard on Sunday as subzero air mixes with unusually warm water offshore. Yes, another storm is on the way.<br /><br />=================<br /><br /><strong>Messy Tuesday Weather</strong><br />This was the view from my office on Tuesday morning after the round of freezing rain, snow, ice pellets came through... we had a little bit of everything and it made the rounds VERY slick.<br /><br /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423580316_2.10.15 mnwx.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423580316_2.10.15%20mnwx.jpg" style="height: 375px; width: 500px;" /><br /><br />=======================<br /><br />TUESDAY NIGHT: Slick roads as snow tapers to flurries. Turning breezy late. Low: 20. Winds: Turning WNW 10-25mph.<br />WEDNESDAY: Windy, tumbling temps. 10F by 5pm. Wind chill: -5F to -15F by 5pm. Winds: NW 15-30+ High: 21, falling temps.<br />WEDNESDAY NIGHT: A few flakes? Much colder, biting wind. Low: -4. Wind Chill: -10F to -25F<br />THURSDAY: Blue sky, light winds and partially numb. High: 12.<br />FRIDAY: Lots of clouds, good travel. Wake-up: 8. High: 22<br />SATURDAY: Hello January! Wind chill: -20. Wake-up: -3. High: 6<br />SUNDAY: Next clipper. Light accumulation? Wake-up: -1. High: 13<br />MONDAY: Gray, snow may stay south. Wake-up: 4. High: 20.<br />TUESDAY: Last cold front (for this round). Wake-up: 2. High: 16.<br /><br />==================<br /><br /><strong>This Day in Weather History<br />February 11th</strong><br />1932: Mizpah picks up 13 inches of snow in a storm.<br /><br />==================<br /><br /><strong>Average High/Low for Minneapolis<br />February 11th</strong><br />Average High: 28F (Record: 57F in 1882)<br />Average Low: 11F (Record: -31F in 1899)<br /><br />==================<br /><br /><strong>Sunrise/Sunset Times for Minneapolis<br />February 11th</strong><br />Sunrise: 7:19am<br />Sunset: 5:35pm<br /><br />===================<br /><br /><strong>Moon Phase for February 11th</strong><br /><strong>Last Quarter at 9:50pm</strong><br /><br /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423572300_2.10.15 last quarter.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423572300_2.10.15%20last%20quarter.JPG" style="height: 252px; width: 253px;" /><br /><br />====================<br /><br /><strong>Minneapolis Temperature Trend</strong><br />After a several days of relatively mild weather, temperature take a bit of a hit during the second half of the week. Our wintry weather spell on Tuesday will give way to strong winds and falling temperatures on Wednesday. It appears that wind chill values will go sub-zero at some point during the day Wednesday and stay sub-zero into Thursday. Actually air temperatures will likely dip below 0 Wednesday night/Thursday morning!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423572825_2.10.15 MSP Trend.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423572825_2.10.15%20MSP%20Trend.JPG" style="height: 383px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br />==================<br /><br /><strong>Wednesday Weather Outlook</strong><br />Weather conditions on Wednesday will be quite chilly considering how warm it was earlier this week. High temperatures should be able to top out around 20F in the Twin Cities, but a strong northwesterly wind will help to tug down much colder air through the day. Feels like temperatures (image on right) will feel more like the sub-zero range already by midday.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423582349_2.10.15 mn wed temps.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423582349_2.10.15%20mn%20wed%20temps.jpg" style="height: 398px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Wednesday Weather Outlook Continued</strong><br />Strong northwesterly winds on the back side of our Tuesday clipper will be whipping pretty good. A 10mph to 20mph sustained wind could gust up to near 30mph at times blowing around any fresh snow that we picked up Tuesday.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423582646_2.10.15 wednesday wx.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423582646_2.10.15%20wednesday%20wx.jpg" style="height: 399px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Crazy Boston Snow</strong><br />Thanks to Matthew Partee @partee875 for the picture below out of Boston, Mass. Take a look at the difference from 2 weeks ago to now!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423578466_2.10.15 bos snow compare.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423578466_2.10.15%20bos%20snow%20compare.JPG" style="height: 602px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Crazy Boston Snow</strong><br />Here are a few the crazy snowfall stats from the National Weather Service out of Boston. Note that the 14, 20 and 30 day snowfall amounts are the snowiest on record in Boston and in Worcester! Interestingly, Boston has seen 77.3" so far this season, which is nearly 50" above normal to date and already the 9th snowiest season on record!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423578805_2.10.15 boston snow.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423578805_2.10.15%20boston%20snow.jpg" style="height: 400px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>9th Snowiest Season on Record!</strong><br />As of Monday, there had been 77.3" of snow in Boston this season, which is now the 9th snowiest season on record; beating the 73.9" set in 1903-04. Boston would need another 30.4" to get to the snowiest season on record (current record 107.6" set in 1995-96).<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423579114_2.10.15 top 10 bos snows.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423579114_2.10.15%20top%2010%20bos%20snows.JPG" style="height: 339px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Getting Rid of Feet of Snow?</strong><br />This picture come from the City of Boston @NotifyBoston Twitter page. Note how they're trying to get rid of all that snow! AERO SNOW MELTER!!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423586645_2.10.15 bos snow1.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423586645_2.10.15%20bos%20snow1.JPG" style="height: 528px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>National Weather Outlook</strong><br />Nationally, weather conditions are fairly quiet. However, a fast moving clipper system is blasting through the Midwest/Great Lakes Region through midweek and land in the Northeast by the second half of the week.<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423581827_2.10.15 NDFD.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423581827_2.10.15%20NDFD.gif" style="height: 402px; width: 581px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>5 Day Precipitation Outlook</strong><br />According to NOAA, the 5 day precipitation outlook still looks fairly wet and potentially snowy across parts of the Northeast. The clipper mentioned in the loop above will continue on it's southeast track toward the Northeast by the second half of the week. Precipitation amounts look a little lighter than they did earlier this week, but it appears that more snow is on the way for folks in the Northeast...<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423586774_2.10.15 HPC 5 day.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423586774_2.10.15%20HPC%205%20day.JPG" style="height: 425px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>More Northeast Snow?</strong><br />As the clipper pushes east, light snow will begin to make a return to parts of the Northeast by the second half of the week... Again, the good news is that the snowfall amounts look much lighter this go around!<br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423586969_2.10.15 more snow.JPG" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423586969_2.10.15%20more%20snow.JPG" style="height: 395px; width: 600px;" /></strong><br /><br /><strong>Eastern Pacific Water Vapor Loop</strong><br />I love this animation below! Note the bright plume of moisture that fades near the western U.S. while another bright plume of moisture picks up just north of the Hawaiian Islands. These plumes are known as the "Pineapple Express" or "Atmospheric River", which can cause extensive flooding across the west coast during long duration events. The latest event from late last week through the week cause several flood concerns and even fanned a wildfire that cropped up near the Sierra Nevada Range.<br /><br /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423586038_2.10.15 east pac.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423586038_2.10.15%20east%20pac.gif" style="height: 279px; width: 600px;" /><br /><br /><strong>Precipitation Past 7 Days</strong><br />According to the NWS, the radar estimated rainfall over the past 7 days is nearly 10" to 20" in some areas! A new version of the U.S. Drought Monitor gets released ever Thursday, so we'll see if there is any improvement from this latest deluge.<br /><br /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423586399_2.10.15 western precip.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423586399_2.10.15%20western%20precip.jpg" style="height: 474px; width: 495px;" /><br /><br /><strong>Thanks for checking in and have a great rest of your week! Don't forget to follow me on Twitter @TNelsonWX</strong><br /><br /><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423587223_todd nelson proff.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423587223_todd%20nelson%20proff.jpg" style="height: 300px; width: 200px;" /></strong>Paul Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119711149976645625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575361857149684460.post-46546500523300609442015-02-09T23:35:00.000-06:002015-02-09T23:35:23.032-06:00Couple of Inches From Today's Clipper. Boston Buried - 11C Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies Turbocharging Storms<strong>33 F</strong>. high in the Twin Cities Monday.<br /><strong>27 F</strong>. average high on February 9.<br /><strong>9 F</strong>. high on February 9, 2014, after waking up to -7.<br /><strong>Trace of snow</strong> on the ground at KMSP as of Monday evening at 7 PM.<br /><br /><strong>February 9 in Minnesota Weather History</strong>. Source: Twin Cities National Weather Service:<br /><b><span style="color: #660000;">1965</span></b>: Snowstorm dumps 15 inches of snow at Duluth over two days.<br /><b><span style="color: #660000;">1861</span></b>: Ice storm near Elk River. Coatings of a 1/2 inch of ice reported. The ice broke off many large branches and saplings were bent to the ground.<br /><b><span style="color: #660000;">1857</span></b>: Extreme cold at Fort Ripley. E.J. Baily, Assistant Surgeon notes : "Spirit thermometer -50 at 6am. Mercury frozen in charcoal cup. Spirit thermometer at Little Falls 16 miles from the fort -56 at 6am. The lowest degree of cold on record in the territory.<br /><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423526832_panoramaDec132014.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423526832_panoramaDec132014.jpg" style="height: 177px; width: 630px;" /></div><br /><strong>Chirp Chirp</strong><br /><br />Signs of spring are popping up, a bit prematurely I fear. My tax accountant is leaving me cryptic messages. A pale white light is now visible at breakfast and dinner! Progress. And yesterday a few cardinals were chirping a happy tune outside my bedroom window. They may be jumping the gun.<br />January was milder than normal, based on a rolling 30-year average at MSP. February is 2.4F colder than average, and it's about to get even colder.<br /><br />Arctic air doesn't arrive all at once, it comes in waves, like breakers on the beach; each one larger than the one before. Temperatures slip below zero Thursday, over the weekend - with an even colder surge by the middle of next week. Expect 4 subzero nights in the next week. Numbing, but probably not school-closing cold. Unlike last winter I see no evidence of polar air stalling nearby, no perpetual blocking pattern capable of long-term polar pain.<br /><br />The approach of cold front number one sparks a period of snow this afternoon; a quick inch or two possible with more north of MSP.<br /><br />I have new respect for what a lousy inch of snow can do to our highways at 10-15F, but with highs today near 30F most freeways should be wet &amp; slushy. In theory.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 238px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423544961_2.jpg" height="309" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423544961_2.jpg" width="238" /></div><strong>Staggering Amounts Of Snow in Boston</strong>. Over 22" from this last storm, on top of the 4 feet of snow that has fallen in the previous 2 weeks. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/weather/2015/02/09/boston-new-england-snow-records/23109017/" href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/weather/2015/02/09/boston-new-england-snow-records/23109017/">USA TODAY</a> has an article that made me think of Buffalo's ordeal back in December. This is what happens when <a data-cke-saved-href="http://earth.nullschool.net/#current/ocean/surface/currents/overlay=sea_surface_temp_anomaly/orthographic=292.50,43.98,1024" href="http://earth.nullschool.net/#current/ocean/surface/currents/overlay=sea_surface_temp_anomaly/orthographic=292.50,43.98,1024">unusually warm ocean water</a> mixes with bitterly cold air pouring out of Canada - record snow events. Here's an excerpt: "...<em>Monday's snow depth in Boston was 37 inches, which was the city's largest depth ever recorded since weather records began. The National Weather Service's Boston office said on Twitter that the city has received 76.5 inches of snow so far this winter. But nearby Providence, R.I., got just 4.2 inches of snow from this storm, the weather service reported. Boston set a record for the most snow recorded in a 30-day period, with 71.8 inches, breaking the record of 58.8 inches set in February 1978</em>..."<br /><br /><u>Photo credit</u> above: "<em>Taylor LaBrecque digs her car out of a snow pile on Beacon Hill Monday, Feb. 9, 2015, in Boston. A long duration winter storm that began Saturday night remains in effect for a large swath of southern New England until the early morning hours Tuesday</em>." (AP Photo/Steven Senne)<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 578px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423538399_advisory1.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423538399_advisory1.jpg" style="height: 305px; width: 578px;" /></div><strong>Nuisance to Plowable Snowfall</strong>. No Boston-style snows anytime soon. Beggars can't be choosy. Much of the metro will pick up an inch or two today, maybe 3-4" northern suburbs, the plowable potential increasing as you head north across the metro area. The south metro is not in the Winter Weather Advisory; details from the <a data-cke-saved-href="http://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=mpx&amp;wwa=winter%20weather%20advisory" href="http://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=mpx&amp;wwa=winter%20weather%20advisory">Twin Cities National Weather Service</a>:<br /><br /><pre>A POTENT...BUT FAST WINTER STORM WILL SPREAD A BAND OF SNOW ACROSS<br />THE ADVISORY AREA STARTING LATE TONIGHT IN WESTERN MINNESOTA...AND<br />MOVE EASTWARD ACROSS CENTRAL AND EAST CENTRAL MINNESOTA BY 9 AM.<br />THIS AREA OF SNOW WILL MOVE INTO WEST CENTRAL WISCONSIN BY LATE<br />MORNING. THIS SYSTEM WILL QUICKLY DEPART THE AREA BY TUESDAY<br />EVENING AS IT MOVES OFF INTO THE GREAT LAKES REGION.<br /><br />THE HEAVIEST SNOWFALL WILL OCCUR NORTH OF ST. CLOUD MINNESOTA TO<br />CHIPPEWA FALLS WISCONSIN WHERE LOCALLY 3 TO 5 INCHES WILL<br />FALL. ELSEWHERE IN THE ADVISORY AREA...A QUICK ONE TO THREE<br />INCHES OF SNOWFALL WILL OCCUR BEFORE IT TAPERS OFF. SOME SLEET AND<br />FREEZING RAIN IS ALSO POSSIBLE DURING THE ONSET ACROSS PORTIONS OF<br />WEST CENTRAL MINNESOTA TUESDAY MORNING.</pre><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423538539_animationS.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423538539_animationS.gif" style="height: 405px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Fast-Moving Clipper</strong>. A couple of inches may fall midday into the afternoon hours, but with temperatures in the upper 20s MnDOT chemicals should do a better job keeping freeways more wet and slushy than snow-covered with this system. It may still be a slow PM commute, but I don't expect a rerun of last week's nightmare when 1.4" snow fell at ground temperatures in the low teens shortly before evening rush hour. That sure was fun. 60-hour accumulated snowfall: NOAA NAM model and Aeris Weather.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423538589_spark.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423538589_spark.jpg" style="height: 274px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Cold Bias</strong>. I count 4 nights below zero, starting Wednesday night, again Friday night and next Monday and Tuesday night for good measure. Again, a pale imitation of last winter's polar pain, but still cold enough to get your attention. After today's clipper the next chance of a little snow comes Sunday. A cosmetic snowfall, not a Boston-snow. Graph: Weatherspark.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423538608_gfs.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423538608_gfs.jpg" style="height: 293px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Bottoming Out Middle of Next Week?</strong> Various models are converging on the middle of next week for the coldest air temperatures, possibly dipping to -10F in the metro, but only lasting 1 or 2 nights. Some recovery is likely as we sail into the last week of February, but nothing springy is brewing just yet, based on GFS guidance from NOAA.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 469px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423538621_jet1.jpg" height="396" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423538621_jet1.jpg" width="469" /></div><strong>Slow Late-Month Moderation</strong>. The core of the coldest air shifts into Hudson Bay, eastern Canada and northern New England the last week of February with more of a modified-Pacific airflow reaching Minnesota. This would favor temperatures at or slightly below average with more clippers - no chance of southern moisture reaching us with 500 mb winds screaming from the northwest. Source: GrADS:COLA/IGES.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423525774_7.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423525774_7.jpg" style="height: 345px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Warmer Air And Water Juicing Snowstorms in New England?</strong> Since 1958 there has been a 71% increase in the most extreme precipitation events (rain and snow) across New England. Warmer air holds more water vapor, increasing the potential for record amounts of precipitation. Here's an excerpt of a post from Climate Nexus: "<em>As you prepare to report on what is now the <a data-cke-saved-href="http://mashable.com/2015/02/08/boston-two-feet-snow-record-cold/" href="http://mashable.com/2015/02/08/boston-two-feet-snow-record-cold/">fifth</a> in a series of snowstorms affecting southern New England, please consider some of the following information on the costs of extreme snow events and how climate change is linked to extreme events of this nature. Having received 61 inches so far this winter, Boston has already <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.wbur.org/2015/02/09/boston-new-snowfall-record" href="http://www.wbur.org/2015/02/09/boston-new-snowfall-record">broken it’s 30-day snowfall record</a>, and is now preparing for another two feet this week. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/09/boston-breaks-30-day-snowfall-record-set-in-1978/" href="http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/02/09/boston-breaks-30-day-snowfall-record-set-in-1978/">Governor Baker said</a> that enough snow has been plowed to fill the Patriot’s stadium 90 times.&nbsp; Snowstorms are an expected feature of winter weather in the Northeast, but the recent spate of storms in the region exhibits the fingerprints of climate change in several distinct ways.<a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpamola.um.maine.edu%2FDailySummary%2Fframes%2FGFS-025deg%2FDailySummary%2FGFS-025deg_WORLD-CED_SST_anom.png&amp;sa=D&amp;sntz=1&amp;usg=AFQjCNFChozcYN7UBm8SWdCI73QcwQhRdA" href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpamola.um.maine.edu%2FDailySummary%2Fframes%2FGFS-025deg%2FDailySummary%2FGFS-025deg_WORLD-CED_SST_anom.png&amp;sa=D&amp;sntz=1&amp;usg=AFQjCNFChozcYN7UBm8SWdCI73QcwQhRdA">Above average sea surface temperatures</a> add energy to the system, creating a stronger contrast with the cold front. That temperature gradient powers the storm, so a stronger gradient means a stronger storm. Also, <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/cr/v47/n1-2/p123-138/" href="http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/cr/v47/n1-2/p123-138/">warmer air holds more moisture</a>, resulting in more precipitation.</em>.."<br /><br />* graphic above courtesy of <a data-cke-saved-href="http://earth.nullschool.net/#current/ocean/surface/currents/overlay=sea_surface_temp_anomaly/orthographic=292.50,43.98,1024" href="http://earth.nullschool.net/#current/ocean/surface/currents/overlay=sea_surface_temp_anomaly/orthographic=292.50,43.98,1024">earth.nullschool.net</a> shows Gulf Stream water temperature anomalies 11.5C warmer than average, roughly 14-15F warmer than average for early February.<br /><hr /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423546211_3.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423546211_3.jpg" style="height: 485px; width: 630px;" /><br /><strong>But Wait, There's More!</strong> One of pet peeves watching reporters doing weather stories. Invariably they'll scream into the microphone "...and meteorologists say another storm is ON THE WAY!" Uh huh. That's a pretty safe forecast. It's the where, when and how much that's problematic. But in the case of Boston, it may be true. ECMWF guidance brushes coastal New England with blizzard conditions this weekend as polar air invades. Yes, it actually can get worse. Map: WSI Corporation.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423525798_MAsnowamounts.png" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423525798_MAsnowamounts.png" style="height: 542px; width: 630px;" /></div><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 392px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423499301_4.jpg" height="218" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423499301_4.jpg" width="392" /></div><strong>DSCOVR Satellite To Keep A Weather Eye On Solar Storms.</strong> It's primary mission is to provide additional early warning for potentially dangerous solar flares capable of bringing down the power grid. But cameras will also be trained on Earth, to provide (delayed) imagery of our planet from space. Here's an excerpt from <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.gizmag.com/dscovr-solar-observatory/35978/" href="http://www.gizmag.com/dscovr-solar-observatory/35978/">Gizmag</a>: "...<em>DSCOVR, formerly known as Triana, is a first step toward remedying this. It began in the late 1990s as an Earth observation satellite. Though DSCOVR was built, it ended up in storage when the mission was canceled in 2001. There it remained until NOAA and the US Air Force took it out of mothballs in 2008. It was then refurbished by NASA and equipped with updated instruments, while the Air Force offered to foot the bill for a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle to put it into space on a five-year mission to provide warnings of incoming solar flares approaching the Earth</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 492px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423533018_11.jpg" height="301" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423533018_11.jpg" width="492" /></div><strong>University of Iowa Study: Floods Not Markedly Bigger, But They Are Getting More Frequent</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://thegazette.com/subject/news/education/university-of-iowa-study-floods-not-markedly-bigger-but-they-are-getting-more-frequent-20150209" href="http://thegazette.com/subject/news/education/university-of-iowa-study-floods-not-markedly-bigger-but-they-are-getting-more-frequent-20150209">The Gazette</a> in Cedar Rapids has a very interesting story - here's a link: "...<em>The central United States — including Iowa — has seen more flood events in recent years, although the magnitude of those events has not increased, according to a new study out of the University of Iowa. Changes in both seasonal rainfall and temperature across the Midwest appear to be driving the rise in flood frequency, causing “adverse societal consequences” — like decreased food production, displaced communities and residents, and other economic losses reaching the billions</em>..."<br /><br /><u>Photo credit</u>:&nbsp;"<em>Manhattan Park in Cedar Rapids is inundated by floodwaters from the Cedar River on Sunday, July 6, 2014</em>." (Cliff Jette/The Gazette-KCRG TV9)<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423499800_milkyrain.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423499800_milkyrain.jpg" style="height: 349px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Mystery Of The "Milky Rain" In Eastern Washington Solved?</strong> It would appear it's Nevada's fault. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.komonews.com/weather/blogs/scott/Mystery-of-the-milky-rain-in-Eastern-Washington-solved--291226971.html" href="http://www.komonews.com/weather/blogs/scott/Mystery-of-the-milky-rain-in-Eastern-Washington-solved--291226971.html">KOMO News</a> has an interesting article about a meteorological mystery; here's an excerpt: "..<em>.Strange things were afoot in eastern Washington and parts of eastern Oregon and the Idaho panhandle Friday when the day's rain showers left a bit of a milky residue on cars and whatnot.</em>..."<br /><br /><u>Photo credit</u>: "<em>Photo of a dirty, milky substance that has fallen on cars outside the National Weather Service office in Spokane, Wash. on Feb. 6, 2015</em>." Photo courtesy: <a data-cke-saved-href="http://inlandnorthwestweather.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-february-6th-milky-rain-possible.html" href="http://inlandnorthwestweather.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-february-6th-milky-rain-possible.html">National Weather Service</a>, which has a good explanation of how a white rain may have formed.<br /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423499723_6.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423499723_6.jpg" style="height: 36px; width: 630px;" /></div></div><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423496874_1.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423496874_1.jpg" style="height: 209px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Send In The Weathermen.</strong> The meteorological equivalent of Navy Seals or Delta Force? I had no idea. Check out the article from <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.nbcnews.com/pages/weathermen" href="http://www.nbcnews.com/pages/weathermen">NBC News</a>; here's a clip: "...<em>He was a weatherman. More precisely, he was a special operations weather technician, known as a SOWT (pronounced sow-tee). As the Department of Defense’s only commando forecasters, SOWTs gather mission-impossible environmental data from some of the most hostile places on Earth. They embed with Navy SEALs, Delta Force and Army Rangers. Ahead of major operations they also head in first for a go/no-go forecast. America’s parachutes don’t pop until a SOWT gives the all-clear</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423499025_sandysubway.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423499025_sandysubway.jpg" style="height: 302px; width: 630px;" /></div><div class="annotatable" data-annotation-count="0" data-article-id="340259" data-thread-id="157256"><strong>Hurricane Sandy Turned A New York Subway Station Into a Petri Dish of Antarctic Bacteria</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://qz.com/340259/hurricane-sandy-turned-a-new-york-subway-station-into-a-petri-dish-of-antarctic-bacteria/" href="http://qz.com/340259/hurricane-sandy-turned-a-new-york-subway-station-into-a-petri-dish-of-antarctic-bacteria/">Quartz</a> has a fascinating tale; here's a clip: "...<em><span class="anno-span">The difference almost certainly came down to what Mason calls the “molecular echo” of Hurricane Sandy, whose&nbsp;tidal storm surge transplanted a&nbsp;colony of&nbsp;fishy, polar sea&nbsp;bugs.</span></em><span class="anno-span"><em> This is a phenomenon scientists have never before demonstrated—proof that, as Mason puts it, “an environmental disaster can be rendered onto the surfaces of a given area</em>...”</span></div><div class="annotatable" data-annotation-count="0" data-article-id="340259" data-thread-id="157256"><br /></div><div class="annotatable" data-annotation-count="0" data-article-id="340259" data-thread-id="157256"><u>Photo credit</u> above: "<em>What lurks beneath?</em><span class="featured-image-credit">" (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)</span></div><hr /><div class="photo "><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423498009_2_5_14_Andrea_AtmosphericRiverAnimated.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423498009_2_5_14_Andrea_AtmosphericRiverAnimated.gif" /></div><strong>How Warming May Alter Critical "Atmospheric Rivers"</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/global-warming-atmospheric-rivers-18645" href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/global-warming-atmospheric-rivers-18645">Climate Central</a> has a summary of new research focused on these firehoses of moisture that can turn drought into flood in the meteorological blink of an eye; here's a clip: "...<em>The hose has been turned back on full-force over Northern California: A stream of moisture is flowing over the drought-riddled state and dropping copious amounts of rain just days after the close of one of the driest Januaries on record. The influx of much-needed rain comes courtesy of a feature called an <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/psd/atmrivers/" href="http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/psd/atmrivers/">atmospheric river</a> that is a key source of much of the state’s precipitation and water supply. A relatively recent meteorological discovery, these ribbons of water vapor in the sky are something scientists are trying to better understand. They are flying research planes into the heart of the current storm to study what fuels it, which could help improve forecasts of the events</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 521px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423498238_1984.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423498238_1984.jpg" style="height: 191px; width: 521px;" /></div><strong>Your Samsung SmartTV Is Spying On You, Basically</strong>. Add this to a long and growing list of things to be paranoid about. Be careful what you say in front of that big screen television set. Here's an excerpt from <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/02/05/your-samsung-smarttv-is-spying-on-you-basically.html" href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/02/05/your-samsung-smarttv-is-spying-on-you-basically.html">The Daily Beast</a>: "<em>You may be loving your new Internet-connected television and its convenient voice-command feature—but did you know it’s recording everything you say and sending it to a third party? Careful what you say around your TV. It may be listening. And blabbing. A single sentence buried in a dense “<a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.samsung.com/sg/info/privacy/smarttv.html" href="http://www.samsung.com/sg/info/privacy/smarttv.html" target="_blank">privacy policy</a>” for Samsung’s Internet-connected SmartTV advises users that its nifty voice command feature might capture more than just your request to play the latest episode of</em> <i>Downton Abbey</i>..."<br /><br />* Yes, this does bear a <a data-cke-saved-href="https://twitter.com/xor/status/564356757007261696/photo/1" href="https://twitter.com/xor/status/564356757007261696/photo/1">striking similarity</a> to some of the plot lines in George Orwell's 1984. God help us when the machines take over.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423519364_youtube.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423519364_youtube.jpg" style="height: 307px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>How YouTube Changed The World</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://s.telegraph.co.uk/graphics/projects/youtube/index.html?utm_source=nextdraft&amp;utm_medium=email" href="http://s.telegraph.co.uk/graphics/projects/youtube/index.html?utm_source=nextdraft&amp;utm_medium=email">The Telegraph</a> explains why many legacy media networks remain paranoid about YouTube, and for good reason. Here's a clip: "...<em>In the eight years since, YouTube has become a raucous town square for those who aspire to power, good and evil. Isil and KKK propaganda videos jostle for attention alongside English town council candidates and teenage pranksters. The veteran Middle East reporter, Jeffrey Goldberg, recently wrote that extremists no longer bother meeting with journalists. “They don’t need a middleman anymore. Journalists have been replaced by YouTube</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423526487_8.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423526487_8.jpg" style="height: 218px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>The Life, Death, And Rebirth Of BlackBerry's Hometown</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://fusion.net/story/45438/the-life-death-and-rebirth-of-blackberrys-hometown/?utm_source=nextdraft&amp;utm_medium=email" href="http://fusion.net/story/45438/the-life-death-and-rebirth-of-blackberrys-hometown/?utm_source=nextdraft&amp;utm_medium=email">Fusion</a> has the story; here's a snippet: "...<em>BlackBerry is still alive – it has 7,000 employees worldwide, trades at a market value of $5.25 billion, and turned a small profit last quarter – but most people here speak about it in the past tense. The company’s market value has fallen more than 90 percent from its peak, and it has less than a one percent share of the global smartphone market, having been reduced to rubble by Apple, Samsung, and other manufacturers years ago. President Obama still has his BlackBerry, but most other people ditched theirs a while back.</em>.." (Image credit: Gabriella Peñuela).<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 445px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423498456_hotel.jpg" height="252" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423498456_hotel.jpg" width="445" /></div><strong>High-Tech Hotel in Japan Will Be Staffed By Multilingual Robots</strong>. It's a slippery slope, automation, robotics and computers replacing things done by carbon-based lifeforms. Check out this story from <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.theverge.com/2015/2/8/8000665/robot-hotel-japan-huis-ten-bosch" href="http://www.theverge.com/2015/2/8/8000665/robot-hotel-japan-huis-ten-bosch">The Verge</a>; here's an excerpt: "...<em>This summer, a hotel will open in the Netherlands-themed Huis Ten Bosch amusement park in Nagasaki, Japan. It will have 72 rooms. Room fees will start at $60 per night. And it will be staffed by 10 humanoid robots. The Henn-na Hotel's blinking and "breathing" actroids will be able to make eye contact, respond to body language, and speak fluent Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and English,&nbsp;<a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/02/06/futuristic-japanese-hotel-will-be-run-almost-entirely-by-robots/?tid=sm_tw" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/02/06/futuristic-japanese-hotel-will-be-run-almost-entirely-by-robots/?tid=sm_tw" target="_blank">The Washington Post reports</a>. They will check in guests, carry bags, make coffee, clean rooms, and deliver laundry</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 368px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423526918_iseesnowflakes.jpg" height="201" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423526918_iseesnowflakes.jpg" width="368" /></div><br />TODAY: Dry start. Snow develops. 1-3" by evening, only a coating far south metro. Winds: SE 15. High: near 30<br />TUESDAY NIGHT: Slick roads as snow tapers to flurries. Low: 20<br />WEDNESDAY: Windy, tumbling temps. Winds: NW 15-30+ High: 22<br />THURSDAY: Blue sky, light winds. Wake-up: -4. High: 13<br />FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy, colder surge late. Wake-up: 5. High: 22<br /><strong>SATURDAY</strong>: Hello January! Wind chill: -20. Wake-up: -2. High: 6<br /><strong>SUNDAY</strong>: Next clipper. Light accumulation? Wake-up: -3. High: 17<br />MONDAY: Gray, snow may stay south. Wake-up: 6. High: 25<br /><br /><hr /><strong>Climate Stories...</strong><br /><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 499px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423527049_NASAcities.jpg" height="239" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423527049_NASAcities.jpg" width="499" /></div><strong>State Looks At Health Impact of Climate Change</strong>. Here's the introduction to a story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/291159041.html" href="http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/291159041.html">The Star Tribune</a>: "<em>Minnesotans will suffer from more asthma, respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease and such bug-borne diseases as West Nile virus and Lyme disease as climate change takes hold across the Upper Midwest, according to a new report from the Minnesota Health Department. It’s the latest in a series of “vulnerability assessments” that Gov. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.startribune.com/topics/people/mark-dayton.html" href="http://www.startribune.com/topics/people/mark-dayton.html" target="_blank">Mark Dayton</a> ordered from his Cabinet to prepare Minnesota for the inevitable</em>..." (Image: NASA).<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 336px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423527143_truthoutorg.jpg" height="194" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423527143_truthoutorg.jpg" width="336" /></div><strong>White House: Climate Change Threatens National Security.</strong> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/231985-white-house-climate-change-urgent-and-growing-national-security" href="http://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/231985-white-house-climate-change-urgent-and-growing-national-security">The Hill</a> has the story; here's an excerpt: "...<em>The present day effects of climate change are being felt from the Arctic to the Midwest. Increased sea levels and storm surges threaten coastal regions, infrastructure, and property. In turn, the global economy suffers, compounding the growing costs of preparing and restoring infrastructure.” The administration argues that effective action against climate change will bolster the security of the United States and its allies</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 350px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423516552_tor.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423516552_tor.jpg" style="height: 341px; width: 350px;" /></div><strong>Will Global Warming Bring More Tornadoes?</strong> Here's an excerpt of a story from LiveScience and <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2015/0209/Will-global-warming-bring-more-tornadoes" href="http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2015/0209/Will-global-warming-bring-more-tornadoes">The Christian Science Monitor</a>: "...<em>Researchers examined how&nbsp;<a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.livescience.com/topics/climate/" href="http://www.livescience.com/topics/climate/" target="_blank">global warming</a>&nbsp;will affect severe weather during the heart of tornado season — March, April and May. They found that while the yearly tornado total will climb by 2080, the number of tornadoes will also vary wildly from year to year. That's because sometimes, the weather will get stuck in a pattern that favors&nbsp;<a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.livescience.com/topics/tornadoes/" href="http://www.livescience.com/topics/tornadoes/" target="_blank">tornadoes</a>, and sometimes, conditions will stymie stormy weather, according to the report, published Jan. 15 in the journal Climatic Change</em>..."<br /><br /><u>Graphic credit</u> above: "<em>Average differences between severe weather in 1980-1990 and 2080-2090. Red means more severe storms, and blue means fewer storms</em>.<span class="eza-credit">" Victor Gensin</span>.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 400px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423527179_warmingPBS.jpg" height="223" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423527179_warmingPBS.jpg" width="400" /></div><strong>Talking Like Grown-Ups About Climate Change</strong>. If you could pay a few dollars a month to lower the risk of (catastrophic) climate change down the road would you consider it? Here's an excerpt of an Op-Ed at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-02-09/stopping-climate-change-will-mean-everyone-has-to-pay" href="http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-02-09/stopping-climate-change-will-mean-everyone-has-to-pay">Bloomberg View</a>: "..<em>.If the second answer is the right one, then there may be an opening for an adult conversation about the topic. If we are worried about climate change, surely we would be willing to pay something -- at least if it isn't a lot -- to reduce the risk. According to some estimates, the U.S. could do a lot to reduce greenhouse gases if the average American paid a monthly energy tax, targeted to such emissions, of $10, along with an equivalent gasoline tax</em>..." (Stock image above: PBS).<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 255px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423497268_ak.jpg" height="72" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423497268_ak.jpg" width="255" /></div><strong>Climate Change, Weather Variability Challenge Yukon Quest Mushers</strong>. Where's the snow? An anthem being heard from Minnesota to Alaska, it seems. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.alaskapublic.org/2015/02/05/climate-change-weather-variability-challenge-yukon-quest-personnel-mushers/" href="http://www.alaskapublic.org/2015/02/05/climate-change-weather-variability-challenge-yukon-quest-personnel-mushers/">Alaska Public Media</a> has the story; here's the intro: "<em>The Yukon Quest International Sled Dog race starts Saturday. For more than 30 years, the race course has followed an old Gold Rush era trail that took advantage of the frozen Yukon River. But recently, there have been places where the river hasn’t frozen up. That’s starting to raise question about the impacts of climate change on Alaska’s state sport</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 312px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 312px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 312px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 312px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 312px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 312px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 312px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 312px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 312px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 312px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 312px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 312px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 312px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 312px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 312px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 312px;"><div class="photo " style="width: 312px;"><strong><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423497574_3.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423497574_3.jpg" style="height: 44px; width: 312px;" /> </strong></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><strong>Major Snowstorms In British Columbia Prompt Climate-Change Worries</strong>. In at least one case freak midwinter rains have forced one ski resort to close altogether. Here's an excerpt from <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/major-snowstorms-in-bc-stoke-climate-change-worries/article22855378/" href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/major-snowstorms-in-bc-stoke-climate-change-worries/article22855378/">The Globe and Mail</a>: "<em>Warm weather and rain linked to the Pineapple Express weather system is forcing Mount Washington Alpine Resort on Vancouver Island to shut down its winter operations as of Monday, a rare situation that comes as industry operators fear the impact of climate change</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 265px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423496987_2.jpg" height="340" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423496987_2.jpg" width="265" /></div><strong>Quantifying The Impact of Climate Change on Extreme Heat in Australia.</strong> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.climatecouncil.org.au/quantifying-extreme-heat" href="http://www.climatecouncil.org.au/quantifying-extreme-heat">The Climate Council</a> has a full report; here's an excerpt of a summary: "...<em>Climate change is making Australia hotter. Hot days are happening more often while heatwaves are becoming hotter, longer and more frequent.</em><br /><ul><li><em><span style="background-color: initial; color: #404040;">The annual number of record hot days across Australia has doubled since 1960. Over the past 10 years the number of record hot days has occurred three times more frequently than the number of record cold days. </span></em></li><li><span style="background-color: initial; color: #404040;"><em>The annual occurrence of very hot days across Australia has increased strongly since 1950 and particularly sharply in the last 20 years</em>..."</span></li></ul>Paul Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119711149976645625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575361857149684460.post-38855350470605079752015-02-08T23:22:00.003-06:002015-02-08T23:22:35.183-06:00Cooling Trend - But Nothing Like Last Winter<strong>32 F</strong>. high in the Twin Cities Sunday.<br /><strong>27 F</strong>. average high on February 8.<br /><strong>15 F</strong>. high on February 8, 2014.<br /><br /><strong>Trace of snow</strong> on the ground at MSP International Airport.<br /><b><span style="color: #660000;">February 8, 1899</span></b>: The mercury plummets to -59 at Leech Lake Dam<br /><div class="photo " style="width: 473px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423448133_brown.jpg" height="352" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423448133_brown.jpg" width="473" /></div><br /><strong>50 Shades of Brown</strong><br /><br />I'm working on a screenplay about a man so paranoid about Minnesota weather treachery that he hides out in the Skyway System, afraid to show his face at street-level. Far-fetched? Yes, thank God.<br /><br />If 3 months ago you had told me that we'd be staring out at brown lawns and fields in February - while Boston was buried under 2 or 3 WINTER'S worth of snow I would have accused you of standing too close to the Doppler. No way. Not possible. But that's how the pattern has stalled; temporarily locked on a track that strengthens Alberta Clippers off the coast of New England. One after another. We get peanuts in the back of the plane while New England gets a first-class snow buffet.<br /><br />Boston's suburbs may pick up 15 to 20 inches by tomorrow morning; they're running out of places to stash snow.<br /><br />Unreal. A quiet Monday gives way to a slow-moving clipper on Tuesday capable of 2 to 4 inches of accumulation. A plowable snow? Call out the National Guard!<br /><br />I see a cold bias the next 2 weeks; a few nights below zero from Wednesday into next week. The pattern still isn't ripe for big, sloppy southern storms. Maybe we'll pick up a few jumbo clippers capable of white-washing my nasty-brown yard.<br /><hr /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423457228_snowMN.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423457228_snowMN.jpg" style="height: 397px; width: 630px;" /><br /><strong>Another Fickle Clipper</strong>. Snow from clippers is even more unpredictable and manic than trying to pin down snow amounts from a southern system, approaching from Colorado or Missouri. A 20 mile north-south shift in the track can make the difference between flurries, and a half foot of flurries. The 00z NAM model shows the best chance of 3-4" from near Bemidji to Leech Lake and Hibbing, maybe an inch or 2 for the metro.<br /><hr /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423457269_animationS.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423457269_animationS.gif" style="height: 402px; width: 630px;" /><br /><strong>Another Northeastern Snow-Bomb</strong>. As much as 12-16" of snow is likely in Boston, on top of the nearly 4 feet of snow that has fallen since late January. Skiers may be snubbing Colorado and Utah in favor of New England. At the rate we're going avalanches may become a significant risk from Killington to Stowe and Lake Placid. 60-hour accumulated 4 KM snowfall product: NOAA and Aeris Weather.<br /><hr /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423457009_spark.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423457009_spark.jpg" style="height: 274px; width: 630px;" /><br /><strong>Cooling Trend</strong>. Again, not exactly polar, but consistently colder than average from Thursday of this week into much of next week. A few more subzero nights are likely, especially over the weekend, but the volume of Canadian air pales in comparison with last winter. <br /><hr /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423457022_jet1.jpg" height="385" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423457022_jet1.jpg" width="504" /><br /><strong>Moderately Cold for Late February.</strong> Although the thrust of bitter air will be New England we'll see our fair share of cold frontal passages into late February; a more zonal, west to east flow pumping milder Pacific air inland. I wouldn't call this winter's last gasp, but the odds of subzero weather drop off dramatically in March with a rising sun angle. Source: GrADS:COLA/IGES.<br /><hr /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423457040_gfs.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423457040_gfs.jpg" style="height: 231px; width: 630px;" /><br /><strong>The Groundhog Was Right.</strong> GFS data shows teens and 20s the latter half of February, maybe a few days near freezing, but nothing terribly springy just yet. February is the shortest month; before we know it it'll be March, tournament time, spring break time. Easter eggs and thoughts of summer to come.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423446520_winter2.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423446520_winter2.jpg" style="height: 108px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Alerts Broadcaster Briefing</strong>: Issued Sunday evening, February 8, 2015.<br /><br />* Long-duration snow event for New England still on track. Snow tapers Monday night with travel conditions slowly improving Tuesday.<br />* I don't expect blizzard criteria to met for an extended period, but land and air travel will be severely disrupted over the next 24-36 hours.<br />* Boston on track for at least a foot of snow, some suburbs may pick up 18" by Tuesday morning, on top of the 4 feet of snow that's fallen since late January. We are on track for one of the 3 snowiest winters on record for Boston.<br />* Governor Charlie Baker asks Massachusetts residents to stay off the road Monday.<br />* In a 5 p.m. Sunday press conference, Baker asks non-emergency state workers to stay home Monday, urges other employers to follow suit. Source: Boston Globe.<br /><hr /><div align="center"><img data-cke-saved-src="http://briefings.alertsbroadcaster.com/content/snow1.jpg" height="377" id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://briefings.alertsbroadcaster.com/content/snow1.jpg" width="600" /></div><strong>Staggering Amounts of Snow</strong>. NOAA's NAM model prints out upwards of 16"+ for eastern Massachusetts over the next 36 hours; Boston may be in the northeast-southwest axis of heaviest snow. 60-hour accumulated snowfall: NOAA and Aeris Weather.<br /><hr /><div align="center"><img data-cke-saved-src="http://briefings.alertsbroadcaster.com/content/bpi.jpg" height="467" id="_x0000_i1026" src="http://briefings.alertsbroadcaster.com/content/bpi.jpg" width="561" /></div><strong>BPI: Close To Blizzard Criteria Monday Morning</strong>. Our in-house models show conditions close to blizzard criteria Monday morning at 10 AM (above). Visibilities may fall to 1/2 to 1/4 mile in moderate snow at times, resulting in numerous delays and cancellations from Hartford to Providence, Boston and Portland, Maine. BPI data: Aeris Weather.<br /><hr /><div align="center"><img data-cke-saved-src="http://briefings.alertsbroadcaster.com/content/bos71.jpg" height="428" id="_x0000_i1027" src="http://briefings.alertsbroadcaster.com/content/bos71.jpg" width="600" /></div><strong>National Weather Service Snowfall Outlook</strong>. NOAA is predicting some 18-24" amounts from Boston up the North Shore into the Merrimack Valley. This forecast could still verify, especially north of Boston, but I feel like final totals will wind up closer to 12-16" for downtown Boston and close-in suburbs. At some point you lose track and it probably doesn't matter whether it's 15" or 21". It'll be enough to turn Monday into another snow day across most of New England. Map credit: Boston National Weather Service.<br /><hr /><div align="center"><img data-cke-saved-src="http://briefings.alertsbroadcaster.com/content/snow2.jpg" height="452" id="_x0000_i1028" src="http://briefings.alertsbroadcaster.com/content/snow2.jpg" width="600" /></div><strong>Closer To The Mark?</strong> High-resolution models are predicting closer to 12-16" for Boston, with 10" possible in Providence. New York City will see a mix of ice and snow with an inch or two possible from north Jersey to Westchester County into Fairfield County, Connecticut, but the heaviest snow bands set up well north of NYC. RPM graphic above: WSI Corporation.<br /><br /><strong>Summary</strong>: When in doubt this winter, just predict heavy snow for Boston and the rest of New England. Odds are you'll be close to the mark. The pattern has become temporarily locked on a track that intensifies Alberta Clippers into Nor'easters, tapping copious moisture from the Atlantic Ocean. 6 feet of snow in 2 weeks? That's unusual for major ski resorts like Tahoe, Snowbird and Big Sky - it's nearly unprecedented for a major urban area on the Atlantic coast, where warm Gulf Stream waters usually result in rain or a mix. Not this winter.<br /><br />Paul Douglas - Senior Meteorologist - Alerts Broadcaster<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 406px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423452667_LAireneccbyne2.0.jpg" height="270" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423452667_LAireneccbyne2.0.jpg" width="406" /></div><strong>Many Factors Made 2014 Hottest Year in California.</strong> It was also the warmest year, worldwide, on record, but California was off-the-scale hot. How much of this is part of a natural cycle or evidence of the urban heat island? <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.dailynews.com/environment-and-nature/20150207/many-factors-made-2014-hottest-year-in-california/1" href="http://www.dailynews.com/environment-and-nature/20150207/many-factors-made-2014-hottest-year-in-california/1">Los Angeles Daily News</a> has a good recap; here's the intro: "<em>Many blame man-made global warming. Others say it’s more about the natural cyclical ocean currents, sea temperatures and wind patterns. Some wag the finger at urbanized humanity — too many people, cars and concrete heating up inside nonporous asphalt jungles. Actually, the reasons for 2014 being Earth’s warmest year since 1880 when record-keeping began are all of the above, according to scientists and researchers. Explaining warmer temperatures can be complex. Unfortunately, the media don’t like to report yes-but answers</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 624px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423352648_sony.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423352648_sony.jpg" style="height: 423px; width: 624px;" /></div><strong>An Exclusive Look At Sony's Hacking Saga.</strong> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/02/sony-hacking-seth-rogen-evan-goldberg?utm_source=nextdraft&amp;utm_medium=email" href="http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/02/sony-hacking-seth-rogen-evan-goldberg?utm_source=nextdraft&amp;utm_medium=email">Vanity Fair</a> has more details on the chronology of the largest corporate hack in history; here's the prologue: "<em>The devastating moment that Amy Pascal and Michael Lynton learned Sony had been taken hostage by vicious cyber-criminals targeting The Interview, was just the beginning of the drama. Mark Seal speaks with Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg for an inside account of Hollywood caught in the crosshairs</em>..."<br /><br /><u>Image credit</u> above: "<em>Seth Rogen, Sony Pictures co-chairman Amy Pascal, North Korea leader Kim Jong Un, Sony Pictures C.E.O. Michael Lynton, and James Franco</em>."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 591px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423352831_1.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423352831_1.jpg" style="height: 293px; width: 591px;" /></div><strong>Americans Are Too Blinded By Fandom To Save Football From Destroying Itself.</strong> Yeah, those concussions and brain injuries are unfortunate, now get out of the way of my TV screen while I turn up the volume on the game. Not sure what to make of this, but a story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://qz.com/322162/americans-are-too-blinded-by-fandom-to-save-football-from-destroying-itself/" href="http://qz.com/322162/americans-are-too-blinded-by-fandom-to-save-football-from-destroying-itself/">Quartz</a> is worth reading - here's a clip: "...<span class="anno-span"><em>Participation has&nbsp;been waning&nbsp;for years. Between 2008 and 2013 the number of people playing tackle football,&nbsp;the full-contact version of the sport, declined by 1.9 million people, a drop of&nbsp;23%, according to the Sports Industry and Fitness Association. There has even been an exodus from safer variants&nbsp;like “flag” football (down 21%) and touch football (down 32%)</em>..."</span><br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 351px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423353264_brian.jpg" height="334" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423353264_brian.jpg" width="351" /></div><strong>Why Did Brian Williams Lie? </strong>Or misremember, my new favorite word. Maybe it all stems from a desire not to disappoint, an almost subconscious desire to tell a better story, according to a story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/02/brian-williams-lie-114950.html?ml=m_t3_2h#.VNYpSi6Lj9o" href="http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/02/brian-williams-lie-114950.html?ml=m_t3_2h#.VNYpSi6Lj9o">POLITICO</a>; here's an excerpt that caught my eye: "...<em>Alas, the human tendency to juice our stories is universal, and it’s a temptation that some journalists find impossible to resist. When we tell our personal stories, we tend to add dramatic pauses that will build suspense. In each retelling, we tend to incorporate into it the reactions of the last audience, escalating the drama that got a good reaction, tamping down the events that dragged, and making up stuff to further engage our audiences. We supplement and reshape our stories both subconsciously and deliberately, because there is no public shame like the public shame that follows the telling of a boring tale</em>..."<br /><br /><u>Photo credit</u>: Brad Barket/Invision/AP, File.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423448161_5.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423448161_5.jpg" style="height: 456px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Map: The Most Common* Job In Every State</strong>. According to <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2015/02/05/382664837/map-the-most-common-job-in-every-state?utm_source=npr_newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=20150208&amp;utm_campaign=mostemailed&amp;utm_term=nprnews" href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2015/02/05/382664837/map-the-most-common-job-in-every-state?utm_source=npr_newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=20150208&amp;utm_campaign=mostemailed&amp;utm_term=nprnews">NPR's Planet Money</a> I will soon be driving a truck. Don't laugh - so will you. Here's an excerpt from a fascinating story: "...<em>We used data from the Census Bureau, which has two catch-all categories: "managers not elsewhere classified" and "salespersons not elsewhere classified." Because those categories are broad and vague to the point of meaninglessness, we excluded them from our map</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 377px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423448193_vikingstadium.jpg" height="281" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423448193_vikingstadium.jpg" width="377" /></div><br />TODAY: More clouds than sun, quiet. Winds: NE 5. High: 30<br />MONDAY NIGHT: Clouds increase late. Low: 21<br />TUESDAY: Another clipper. 1-2" possible, more north of MSP. High: 31<br />WEDNESDAY: Windy, turning colder again. Wake-up: 16. High: 18, falling during the day.<br />THURSDAY: Blue sky. Still feels like winter. Wake-up: -1. High: 12<br />FRIDAY: Clouds, few flurries. Wake-up: 5. High: 22<br /><strong>SATURDAY</strong>: Reinforcing shot of cold air. Wake-up: -4. High: 9<br /><strong>SUNDAY</strong>: Mix of clouds and sun, brisk. Wake-up: -2. High: 14<br /><br /><hr /><strong>Climate Stories....</strong><br /><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 344px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423371656_albertleaTORaaronshaffer061610two.jpg" height="228" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423371656_albertleaTORaaronshaffer061610two.jpg" width="344" /></div><strong>Global Warming May Spawn More Southeast U.S. Tornadoes. </strong><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.livescience.com/49727-more-tornadoes-global-warming.html" href="http://www.livescience.com/49727-more-tornadoes-global-warming.html">Live Science</a> has the details of new research and projections; here's an excerpt: "...<em>Researchers examined how <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.livescience.com/topics/climate/" href="http://www.livescience.com/topics/climate/">global warming</a> will affect severe weather during the heart of tornado season — March, April and May. They found that while the yearly tornado total will climb by 2080, the number of tornadoes will also vary wildly from year to year. That's because sometimes, the weather will get stuck in a pattern that favors <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.livescience.com/topics/tornadoes/" href="http://www.livescience.com/topics/tornadoes/">tornadoes</a>, and sometimes, conditions will stymie stormy weather, according to the report, published Jan. 15 in the journal Climatic Change</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 299px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423353190_capitol.jpg" height="224" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423353190_capitol.jpg" width="299" /></div><strong>The Global Heat Is On For Congress. </strong>An Op-Ed at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.swnewsmedia.com/prior_lake_american/news/opinion/guest_columns/article_1e7cac18-bbe6-5d46-a36e-eb2d6dfd9834.html" href="http://www.swnewsmedia.com/prior_lake_american/news/opinion/guest_columns/article_1e7cac18-bbe6-5d46-a36e-eb2d6dfd9834.html">The Prior Lake American</a> resonated with me, a terrific summation of the threat...and opportunity. Here's an excerpt: "...<em>Ronald Reagan’s Secretary of State George Schultz is a Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) advisory board member. CCL is a nonprofit and nonpartisan group focused on national policies to address climate change. Schultz supports CCL’s 100-percent revenue-neutral carbon fee and dividend plan while Art Laffer, economic advisor to President Reagan, calls it a “no-brainer.” The fee and dividend plan is very simple. Place a steadily rising fee on the carbon dioxide content of fossil fuels, enact border adjustments to ensure fairness and competition for American businesses, and return 100 percent of the revenue to American households to offset energy price increases</em>..."Paul Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119711149976645625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575361857149684460.post-78901018601824360072015-02-07T23:25:00.002-06:002015-02-07T23:25:59.208-06:0050 Shades of Brown - Another Major Dumping for Boston and New England<strong>36 F</strong>. high in the Twin Cities Saturday.<br /><strong>27 F</strong>. average high on February 7.<br /><strong>12 F</strong>. high on February 7, 2014, after waking up to -5 F.<br /><br /><strong>1" snow</strong> on the ground at KMSP.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #660000;">February 7, 1996</span></b>: Showers and thunderstorms bring a mix of ice and rain across the eastern portion of Minnesota. In Edina, lightning damaged a house.<br /><b><span style="color: #660000;">February 7, 1933</span></b>: Arctic air entrenched across Minnesota with a morning low of -55 at Warroad.<br /><br /><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423353369_3 (2).jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423353369_3%20%282%29.jpg" style="height: 246px; width: 498px;" /><br /><br /><strong>All or Nothing</strong><br /><br />Truth be told weather has never been average or normal. A clumsy waltz of weather fronts greeted the first caveman peering out at an uncertain sky. Since then untold fortunes have been spent trying to engineer the vagaries of weather out of our lives. We split the atom, mapped the human genome and sent men to the moon. But we still can't disrupt a tornado or stop a snowstorm.<br /><br />The third major storm in 2 weeks dumps another foot and a half of snow on Boston, on top of 43 inches since late January. What's going on? The same drive-by clippers that drop narrow carpets of blowing snow across Minnesota go on to spin up major coastal storms - Nor'easters - spewing a fire-hose of Atlantic moisture on New England, where extreme precipitation events (rain and snow) have spiked 71 percent in the last 50 years, compared to a 45 percent increase here in Minnesota.<br /><br />You'll be SHOCKED! to hear that no big storms are showing up close to home. Another clipper drops a nuisance snow on Tuesday, maybe a couple inches, as temperatures start to chill. We may flirt with zero a few mornings late next week but I see nothing to rival last year's pioneer winter.<br /><br />Snow would be nice but I don't yet miss the polar vortex.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423371690_animationS.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423371690_animationS.gif" style="height: 402px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Another Major League Dumping</strong>. Watch the snowfall amounts spike (purple and blue shades show regions expecting more than a foot of additional snow) as a clipper taps moisture from the Atlantic. Maybe Boston can ship some of that 12-18" of additional snow to Minnesota? 60-hour NAM accumulated snow: NOAA and Aeris Weather.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423371967_spark.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423371967_spark.jpg" style="height: 275px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Another Temperature Correction.</strong> Although hardly polar-vortex-cold, temperatures dip below average the latter half of next week, with a few subzero lows likely from next Thursday morning into the following week. It still looks like the core of the coldest air is aimed at New England, not Minnesota. We'll get a glancing blow, just cold enough to remind you that this is still prime time wintertime. Graph: Weatherspark.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423372077_gfs.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423372077_gfs.jpg" style="height: 292px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Another Subzero Smack?</strong> GFS guidance shows another surge of numbing air reaching Minnesota between February 17-19, with moderation by the last week of February as prevailing winds become more westerly, blowing in milder air from the Pacific.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 494px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423372135_jet1.jpg" height="453" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423372135_jet1.jpg" width="494" /></div><strong>Late February Warming Trend for Minnesota - Growing Tornado Potential Southern USA</strong>. I could see a fairly significant severe storm outbreak for the southeastern USA if the GFS model verifies, a very active southerly branch to the jet stream possibly providing the necessary wind shear for violent thunderstorms. Meanwhile a more westerly shift in the jet stream winds should mean more 30s for Minnesota. Map: GrADS:COLA/IGES<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423371217_winter1.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423371217_winter1.jpg" style="height: 124px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Alerts Broadcaster Briefing</strong>: Issued Saturday night, February 7, 2015.<br /><br />* Long-duration snow event for much of New England, snowfall amounts by Monday night range from plowable to crippling.<br />* <u>Winds stay below blizzard criteria</u>, and the extended period of light to moderate snow, coupled with less blowing and drifting, should make it a little easier to remove snow from roads than last week's bonafied blizzard.<br />* 12-18" possible in <strong>Boston</strong> by Monday night; <strong>New York City</strong> sees rain later Sunday ending as ice and a couple inches of slushy snow Monday.<br /><hr /><div align="center"><img data-cke-saved-src="http://briefings.alertsbroadcaster.com/content/sat1.jpg" height="238" id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://briefings.alertsbroadcaster.com/content/sat1.jpg" width="502" /></div><strong>Another Mutant Clipper</strong>. Fast-moving storms diving southeast out of Canada are strengthening as they approach the east coast, tapping copious moisture from the Atlantic ocean, meaning a 36-48 hour snow event for much of interior New England.<br /><hr /><div align="center"><img data-cke-saved-src="http://briefings.alertsbroadcaster.com/content/advisory1.jpg" height="417" id="_x0000_i1026" src="http://briefings.alertsbroadcaster.com/content/advisory1.jpg" width="600" /></div><strong>Winter Storm Warnings In Effect</strong>. The difference this time around, no blizzard watches or warnings. Snowfall amounts will be nearly as high as last Monday from Hartford and Albany to Springfield, Boston, Nashua, Montpelier and Rutland. Snow increases in intensity during the day Sunday, slowly tapering by Monday night. Map: Aeris Weather.<br /><hr /><div align="center"><img data-cke-saved-src="http://briefings.alertsbroadcaster.com/content/4.jpg" height="349" id="_x0000_i1027" src="http://briefings.alertsbroadcaster.com/content/4.jpg" width="600" /></div><strong>Deja Vu All Over Again</strong>. This is getting old for Boston residents; 44" of snow from 2 blizzards in one week, and now a third major snow event capable of at least another foot of snow, capable of widespread travel disruptions from Hartford to Boston, Portland and upstate New York. Map: Aeris Weather.<br /><hr /><div align="center"><img data-cke-saved-src="http://briefings.alertsbroadcaster.com/content/snow1.jpg" height="287" id="_x0000_i1028" src="http://briefings.alertsbroadcaster.com/content/snow1.jpg" width="600" /></div><strong>Converging Models</strong>. Although the models we study, including GFS, NAM and ECMWF never totally agree (on anything) there is sufficient agreement in where the axis of heaviest snow should set up (Rochester to Boston) and general amounts in excess of a foot for much of interior New England.<br /><hr /><div align="center"><img data-cke-saved-src="http://briefings.alertsbroadcaster.com/content/bostontrend.jpg" height="191" id="_x0000_i1029" src="http://briefings.alertsbroadcaster.com/content/bostontrend.jpg" width="600" /></div><strong>Tracking Boston Amounts</strong>. Our internal Aeris models show snowfall totals as high as 15-17" by Tuesday morning. With temperatures in the lowest mile of the atmosphere consistently below freezing, over 1.5" liquid precipitation translates into a foot and a half of accumulation for some Boston suburbs.<br /><hr /><div align="center"><img data-cke-saved-src="http://briefings.alertsbroadcaster.com/content/bostrend2.jpg" height="416" id="_x0000_i1030" src="http://briefings.alertsbroadcaster.com/content/bostrend2.jpg" width="600" /></div><strong>A Very Snowy Rut</strong>. From time to time the atmosphere becomes locked in a specific pattern, with storms traveling along the same track, resulting in excessive rainfall or snowfall amounts. Residents of Boston and the rest of New England won't need much convincing. The challenge of where to put the snow will become glaring in the next 36 hours. I expect widespread closures Monday, the transportation grid slowly improving Tuesday. Graphic: Iowa State.<br /><hr /><div align="center"><img data-cke-saved-src="http://briefings.alertsbroadcaster.com/content/ice1.jpg" height="393" id="_x0000_i1031" src="http://briefings.alertsbroadcaster.com/content/ice1.jpg" width="600" /></div><div align="center"><img data-cke-saved-src="http://briefings.alertsbroadcaster.com/content/ice2.jpg" height="238" id="_x0000_i1032" src="http://briefings.alertsbroadcaster.com/content/ice2.jpg" width="600" /></div><strong>Icing Potential</strong>. Our internal models show significant icing from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Allentown into northern New Jersey, metro New York City and parts of Connecticut Sunday night into Monday morning, south of the heaviest snow bands.<br /><br /><strong>Summary</strong>: This may wind up becoming one of Boston's 3 snowiest winters on record at the rate we're going, with plowable to crippling impacts for much of New England. Conditions continue to deteriorate into Monday, and although not a blizzard, disruptions will be widespread. The greatest potential for icing and subsequent power outages will be from eastern Pennsylvania into northern New Jersey and the Tri-State area. Good luck, be careful out there.<br /><br />Paul Douglas - Senior Meteorologist - Alerts Broadcaster<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 410px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423287557_Aprilsnow3.jpg" height="271" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423287557_Aprilsnow3.jpg" width="410" /></div><strong>A Family Of Alberta Clippers</strong>. It's been a relatively quiet start to February; nothing resembling a "storm" in the classic sense, just a series of fast-moving disturbances dropping out of Canada. Dr. Mark Seeley takes a look at clippers in this week's edition of <a data-cke-saved-href="http://blog-weathertalk.extension.umn.edu/" href="http://blog-weathertalk.extension.umn.edu/">Minnesota WeatherTalk</a>; here's a clip: "...<em>Additionally Alberta Clippers usually usher in colder air from higher latitude.&nbsp; Such was the case this week as many northern climate stations reported some overnight lows in the -20s°F, with Ely falling to -30°F and Embarrass and Cotton reporting -31°F.&nbsp; With 7 inches of Alberta Clipper delivered snow on the ground, even Preston (Fillmore County) in southeastern Minnesota fell to -21°F this week.&nbsp; These were the coldest temperatures since the first half of January</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 624px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423352648_sony.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423352648_sony.jpg" style="height: 423px; width: 624px;" /></div><strong>An Exclusive Look At Sony's Hacking Saga.</strong> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/02/sony-hacking-seth-rogen-evan-goldberg?utm_source=nextdraft&amp;utm_medium=email" href="http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/02/sony-hacking-seth-rogen-evan-goldberg?utm_source=nextdraft&amp;utm_medium=email">Vanity Fair</a> has more details on the chronology of the largest corporate hack in history; here's the prologue: "<em>The devastating moment that Amy Pascal and Michael Lynton learned Sony had been taken hostage by vicious cyber-criminals targeting The Interview, was just the beginning of the drama. Mark Seal speaks with Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg for an inside account of Hollywood caught in the crosshairs</em>..."<br /><br /><u>Image credit</u> above: "<em>Seth Rogen, Sony Pictures co-chairman Amy Pascal, North Korea leader Kim Jong Un, Sony Pictures C.E.O. Michael Lynton, and James Franco</em>."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 279px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423232049_kizz.gif" height="207" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423232049_kizz.gif" width="279" /></div><strong>The Next Internet Is TV.</strong> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.theawl.com/2015/02/the-next-internet-is-tv" href="http://www.theawl.com/2015/02/the-next-internet-is-tv">The Awl</a> has an intriguing story that focuses on apps that bring people together, virtually or in-person. Will they eventually eclipse the power and reach of legacy media? Here's a clip: "...<em>The only thing that keeps people coming back to apps in great enough numbers over time to make real money is the presence of other people. So the only apps that people use in the way publications want their readers to behave—with growing loyalty that can be turned into money—are communications services. The near-future internet puts the publishing and communications industries in competition with each other for the same confused advertising dollars, and it’s not even close</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 591px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423352831_1.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423352831_1.jpg" style="height: 293px; width: 591px;" /></div><strong>Americans Are Too Blinded By Fandom To Save Football From Destroying Itself.</strong> Yeah, those concussions and brain injuries are unfortunate, now get out of the way of my TV screen while I turn up the volume on the game. Not sure what to make of this, but a story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://qz.com/322162/americans-are-too-blinded-by-fandom-to-save-football-from-destroying-itself/" href="http://qz.com/322162/americans-are-too-blinded-by-fandom-to-save-football-from-destroying-itself/">Quartz</a> is worth reading - here's a clip: "...<span class="anno-span"><em>Participation has&nbsp;been waning&nbsp;for years. Between 2008 and 2013 the number of people playing tackle football,&nbsp;the full-contact version of the sport, declined by 1.9 million people, a drop of&nbsp;23%, according to the Sports Industry and Fitness Association. There has even been an exodus from safer variants&nbsp;like “flag” football (down 21%) and touch football (down 32%)</em>..."</span><br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 351px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423353264_brian.jpg" height="334" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423353264_brian.jpg" width="351" /></div><strong>Why Did Brian Williams Lie? </strong>Or misremember, my new favorite word. Maybe it all stems from a desire not to disappoint, an almost subconscious desire to tell a better story, according to a story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/02/brian-williams-lie-114950.html?ml=m_t3_2h#.VNYpSi6Lj9o" href="http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/02/brian-williams-lie-114950.html?ml=m_t3_2h#.VNYpSi6Lj9o">POLITICO</a>; here's an excerpt that caught my eye: "...<em>Alas, the human tendency to juice our stories is universal, and it’s a temptation that some journalists find impossible to resist. When we tell our personal stories, we tend to add dramatic pauses that will build suspense. In each retelling, we tend to incorporate into it the reactions of the last audience, escalating the drama that got a good reaction, tamping down the events that dragged, and making up stuff to further engage our audiences. We supplement and reshape our stories both subconsciously and deliberately, because there is no public shame like the public shame that follows the telling of a boring tale</em>..."<br /><br /><u>Photo credit</u>: Brad Barket/Invision/AP, File.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 409px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423249004_wxmod.jpg" height="288" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423249004_wxmod.jpg" width="409" /></div><strong>"Cloud Bursting" Service Can Ensure Sunny Wedding Photos for $150,000.</strong> Uh huh. A sucker is born every minute; for people with more money than sense check out a story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://petapixel.com/2015/01/30/cloud-bursting-service-can-ensure-sunny-wedding-photos-150000/" href="http://petapixel.com/2015/01/30/cloud-bursting-service-can-ensure-sunny-wedding-photos-150000/">PetaPixel</a>; here's an excerpt: "<em>Want to ensure sunshine for bright and happy outdoor wedding photographs? All you need is $150,000. A UK-based company has begun offering a “cloud bursting” service that can 100% guarantee fair weather for your wedding day and photographs. Oliver’s Travels, a luxury travel and rental service, has <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.oliverstravels.com/blog/guarantee-perfect-wedding-weather-olivers-travels/" href="http://www.oliverstravels.com/blog/guarantee-perfect-wedding-weather-olivers-travels/" target="_blank" title="">begun offering the service</a> for prospective brides and grooms who are interested in a sunny destination wedding at certain venues in France</em>..."<br /><br /><u>Image credit</u>: "<em>Header graphic created with photos by <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/milkbarnick/10900395546" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/milkbarnick/10900395546" target="_blank" title="">Milkbar Nick</a> and <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/elsie/15119892292" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/elsie/15119892292" target="_blank" title="">Les Chatfield</a>, and illustration by <a data-cke-saved-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cloud_Seeding.svg" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cloud_Seeding.svg" target="_blank" title="">DooFi"</a></em><br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423353739_MikeHallphoto.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423353739_MikeHallphoto.jpg" style="height: 355px; width: 630px;" /></div><br /><strong>TODAY</strong>: Gray, a few flakes in the air. Winds: NE 10. High: 31<br /><strong>SUNDAY NIGHT</strong>: Patchy clouds, colder. Low: 18<br />MONDAY: Mix of clouds and some sun. High: 29<br />TUESDAY: Clipper, couple inches of snow? Wake-up: 23. High: near 30<br />WEDNESDAY: Flurries taper, clearing and colder. Wake-up: 20. High: 25<br />THURSDAY: Blue sky, yep - still winter. Wake-up: -3. High: 13<br />FRIDAY: Cloudy clipper, coating of snow? Wake-up: 0. High: 21<br /><strong>SATURDAY</strong>: Cloudy, colder front arrives late. Wake-up: 12. High: 30<br /><br />* image credit above: <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.facebook.com/ToHailAndBack" href="https://www.facebook.com/ToHailAndBack">Mike Hall Photography</a>.<br /><hr /><strong>Climate Stories....</strong><br /><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 344px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423371656_albertleaTORaaronshaffer061610two.jpg" height="228" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423371656_albertleaTORaaronshaffer061610two.jpg" width="344" /></div><strong>Global Warming May Spawn More Southeast U.S. Tornadoes. </strong><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.livescience.com/49727-more-tornadoes-global-warming.html" href="http://www.livescience.com/49727-more-tornadoes-global-warming.html">Live Science</a> has the details of new research and projections; here's an excerpt: "...<em>Researchers examined how <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.livescience.com/topics/climate/" href="http://www.livescience.com/topics/climate/">global warming</a> will affect severe weather during the heart of tornado season — March, April and May. They found that while the yearly tornado total will climb by 2080, the number of tornadoes will also vary wildly from year to year. That's because sometimes, the weather will get stuck in a pattern that favors <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.livescience.com/topics/tornadoes/" href="http://www.livescience.com/topics/tornadoes/">tornadoes</a>, and sometimes, conditions will stymie stormy weather, according to the report, published Jan. 15 in the journal Climatic Change</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 299px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423353190_capitol.jpg" height="224" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423353190_capitol.jpg" width="299" /></div><strong>The Global Heat Is On For Congress. </strong>An Op-Ed at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.swnewsmedia.com/prior_lake_american/news/opinion/guest_columns/article_1e7cac18-bbe6-5d46-a36e-eb2d6dfd9834.html" href="http://www.swnewsmedia.com/prior_lake_american/news/opinion/guest_columns/article_1e7cac18-bbe6-5d46-a36e-eb2d6dfd9834.html">The Prior Lake American</a> resonated with me, a terrific summation of the threat...and opportunity. Here's an excerpt: "...<em>Ronald Reagan’s Secretary of State George Schultz is a Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) advisory board member. CCL is a nonprofit and nonpartisan group focused on national policies to address climate change. Schultz supports CCL’s 100-percent revenue-neutral carbon fee and dividend plan while Art Laffer, economic advisor to President Reagan, calls it a “no-brainer.” The fee and dividend plan is very simple. Place a steadily rising fee on the carbon dioxide content of fossil fuels, enact border adjustments to ensure fairness and competition for American businesses, and return 100 percent of the revenue to American households to offset energy price increases</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 279px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423287880_future.jpg" height="222" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423287880_future.jpg" width="279" /></div><strong>Climate Changes Are Coming To The American Heartland. </strong>Here's an excerpt of a good summary of the recent "Risky Business" report for the Midwest at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3041697/climate-changes-are-coming-to-the-american-heartland" href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3041697/climate-changes-are-coming-to-the-american-heartland">fastcoexist.com</a>: "...<em>Some counties in northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan could benefit from warmer temperatures, as farmers extend their growing seasons. But most of the impacts are likely to be negative. Rising temperatures could increase <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/explore/energy-demand" data-event-action="Autolink" data-event-category="recirculation" data-event-label="Clicked: explore" href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/explore/energy-demand" target="_blank">energy demand</a> (because of the need for more air conditioning), decrease productivity (because outdoor workers tend to toil less hard in hotter weather), and drive up mortality rates (because older people are affected by hotter temperatures)</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 294px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423287936_military.jpg" height="220" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423287936_military.jpg" width="294" /></div><strong>Climate Change As A Significant National Security Threat</strong>. More like a force-multiplier, volatility that can help to result in civil unrest, mass migrations, even war. Here's an excerpt from <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.politico.com/story/2015/02/obama-national-security-strategy-2015-114942.html" href="http://www.politico.com/story/2015/02/obama-national-security-strategy-2015-114942.html">Politico</a>: "...<em>Climate change is an urgent and growing threat to our national security, contributing to increased natural disasters, refugee flows, and conflicts over basic resources like food and water,” the document states, according to the former U.S. official. “The present day effects of climate change are being felt from the Arctic to the Midwest. Increased sea levels and storm surges threaten coastal regions, infrastructure, and property. In turn, the global economy suffers, compounding the growing costs of preparing and restoring infrastructure</em>...”<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 232px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423287971_geoengineeringCLIMATE.jpg" height="232" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423287971_geoengineeringCLIMATE.jpg" width="232" /></div><strong>Can We Reverse-Engineeer The Environment? </strong>An article at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/08/magazine/can-we-reverse-engineer-the-environment.html?emc=edit_tnt_20150206&amp;nlid=6274831&amp;tntemail0=y" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/08/magazine/can-we-reverse-engineer-the-environment.html?emc=edit_tnt_20150206&amp;nlid=6274831&amp;tntemail0=y">The New York Times Magazine</a> caught my eye; here's an excerpt: "...<em>More than 1,000 dams have been removed from American rivers in the past century, 72 of them last year. Homesteaders drained wetlands; after Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, we’re building them. Battling the effects of climate change is now central to the Army Corps’s mission. Having spent centuries trying to bring natural forces under our control, our civil engineers are now declaring peace with them, or at least establishing diplomatic relations</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423288005_may.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423288005_may.jpg" style="height: 384px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>What Should We Tell The Kids About Climate Change?</strong> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2015-02-06/what-should-we-tell-the-kids-about-climate-change-" href="http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2015-02-06/what-should-we-tell-the-kids-about-climate-change-">Bloomberg</a> has the story - here's a clip: "...<em>Efforts to block teaching about climate change echo attempts by religious conservatives two decades ago to put creationism based on biblical teaching on equal footing with evolution in science classrooms. “On one side you have 97&nbsp;percent of scientists and video of melting polar caps, and on the other you have 3&nbsp;percent of scientists, with discredited theories,” Hoyos says. “Why give them equal space?</em>..."Paul Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119711149976645625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575361857149684460.post-47455695764583219042015-02-07T00:11:00.001-06:002015-02-07T00:11:45.219-06:00Weekend Thaw - Climate Change as Significant National Security Threat<br /><strong>30 F</strong>. high in the Twin Cities Friday.<br /><strong>26 F</strong>. average high on February 6.<br /><strong>4 F</strong>. high on February 6, 2014, after waking up to - 11 F.<br /><strong>1" snow</strong> on the ground at MSP International Airport.<br /><b><span style="color: #660000;">February 6, 1857</span></b>: Snowstorm dumps around 9 inches of snow at Fort Snelling.<br /><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423287464_2.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423287464_2.jpg" style="height: 246px; width: 630px;" /></div><br /><strong>Model Envy</strong><br /><br />It took me 6 college calculus courses to remind me that I'm no math whiz. But the ocean of air overhead is a fluid, governed by the laws of physics. Using advanced partial differential equations we can simulate how this fluid SHOULD move in the future.<br /><br />Weather models are less reliable in the winter, when jet stream winds blow faster. In 1976 there was one model (LFM). Today NOAA runs numerous models, like the high-res 3 km HRRR for the next 15 hours - and global GFS guidance looking out 16 days.<br /><br /><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.ecmwf.int/" href="http://www.ecmwf.int/">ECMWF</a> stands for European Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasting. The Europeans have put all their time, money and research into one model. It's generally thought to be better than NOAA's models, especially making forecasts beyond 6 days.<br /><br />In the wake of the ECMWF out-performing U.S. models during "Sandy" Congress authorized $45 million to upgrade 2 supercomputers. And the new, higher-res GFS just did better during New York's recent snowy near-miss than the "Euro". I wouldn't bet against NOAA over the long haul.<br /><br />No weather drama close to home: a shot at 40F today, a brush with slush next Tuesday - no extended bouts of subzero air in sight.<br /><br />We'll see more snow and wind chill, but the coldest days of winter are behind us now.<br /><br />* 18z Monday, February 9 model simulation; GFS upper left, ECMWF upper right, courtesy of WSI.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423288424_animationS.gif" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423288424_animationS.gif" style="height: 402px; width: 630px;" /></div><br /><strong>Nowhere To Put The Snow.</strong> Residents of New England are watching the next clipper diving across the Great Lakes, destined to pull more Atlantic moisture into Hartford, Providence, Portland and Nashua. Boston may pick up another significant snowfall, a few inches then a changeover to rain. 100% chance of a mess. 60-hour 4km NAM accumulated snowfall product: NOAA and Aeris Weather.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423288561_jet1.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423288561_jet1.jpg" style="height: 516px; width: 630px;" /></div><br /><strong>Cold, But Still Not Polar.</strong> We'll see a few more subzero swipes in February, but the pattern still doesn't favor a holding pattern similar to last year. Winds aloft are generally stronger, with more of a zonal, Pacific influence than last winter. 500 mb jet stream winds Friday evening, February 20 are blowing from western Canada; a modified Pacific flow that shouldn't be too cold. Map: GrADS:COLA/IGES.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 410px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423287557_Aprilsnow3.jpg" height="271" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423287557_Aprilsnow3.jpg" width="410" /></div><strong>A Family Of Alberta Clippers</strong>. It's been a relatively quiet start to February; nothing resembling a "storm" in the classic sense, just a series of fast-moving disturbances dropping out of Canada. Dr. Mark Seeley takes a look at clippers in this week's edition of <a data-cke-saved-href="http://blog-weathertalk.extension.umn.edu/" href="http://blog-weathertalk.extension.umn.edu/">Minnesota WeatherTalk</a>; here's a clip: "...<em>Additionally Alberta Clippers usually usher in colder air from higher latitude.&nbsp; Such was the case this week as many northern climate stations reported some overnight lows in the -20s°F, with Ely falling to -30°F and Embarrass and Cotton reporting -31°F.&nbsp; With 7 inches of Alberta Clipper delivered snow on the ground, even Preston (Fillmore County) in southeastern Minnesota fell to -21°F this week.&nbsp; These were the coldest temperatures since the first half of January</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423156380_elnino.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423156380_elnino.jpg" style="height: 398px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>50-60% Probability Of El Nino</strong>. We're still in a holding pattern, but the ingredients have not converged for a full-blown (declared) El Nino in the Pacific. That said, an El Nino Watch is still in effect for late winter and spring in the northern hemisphere. All the details courtesy of <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/enso_advisory/ensodisc.pdf" href="http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/enso_advisory/ensodisc.pdf">NOAA CPC</a>.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 397px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423165527_winterproject.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423165527_winterproject.jpg" style="height: 218px; width: 397px;" /></div><strong>Cold Facts of Air Pollution.</strong> I thought this story from <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www2.ucar.edu/atmosnews/in-brief/13978/cold-facts-air-pollution?utm_content=buffercb5db&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter.com&amp;utm_campaign=buffer" href="http://www2.ucar.edu/atmosnews/in-brief/13978/cold-facts-air-pollution?utm_content=buffercb5db&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter.com&amp;utm_campaign=buffer">UCAR</a> in Boulder was interesting; here's an excerpt: "...<em>This month, a major air quality project known as <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.eol.ucar.edu/field_projects/winter" href="http://www.eol.ucar.edu/field_projects/winter">WINTER</a>&nbsp;(Wintertime&nbsp;Investigation of&nbsp;Transport,&nbsp;Emissions, and Reactivity) takes to the air to examine pollutants across the Northeast urban corridor, Ohio River Valley, and Southeast Mid-Atlantic. Scientists will home in on wintertime emissions from urban areas, power plants, and farmland, and seek to better understand the chemical processes that take place as pollutants move through an atmosphere that is not only colder but also darker than in summer.</em>.."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 378px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423158104_Sandy101.jpg" height="254" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423158104_Sandy101.jpg" width="378" /></div><strong>Study: Heart Attacks, Strokes Spiked In Hurricane Sandy Ravaged Areas</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/local/down-the-shore/78070-study-heart-attacks-strokes-surged-in-hurricane-sandy-ravaged-areas" href="http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/local/down-the-shore/78070-study-heart-attacks-strokes-surged-in-hurricane-sandy-ravaged-areas">NewsWorks</a> has the results of an interesting study, showing how extreme stress brought on by a major storm can have physical implications for survivors; here's an excerpt: "<em>In Hurricane&nbsp;Sandy's wake, life became chaotic, with thousands displaced, neighborhoods flooded and without electricity for days, and a palatable sense of fear and&nbsp;uncertainty.&nbsp; There were also serious health consequences, a Rutgers University research study found. Hurricane Sandy had a "significant effect" on cardiovascular events in the high-impact areas of New Jersey during the two weeks after the Oct. 2012 storm</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 409px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423193484_kennedyspacecenter.jpg" height="266" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423193484_kennedyspacecenter.jpg" width="409" /></div><span class="imgleft" style="width: 720px;"><strong>Why Do Many Reasonable People Doubt Science?</strong> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2015/03/science-doubters/achenbach-text?utm_source=nextdraft&amp;utm_medium=email" href="http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2015/03/science-doubters/achenbach-text?utm_source=nextdraft&amp;utm_medium=email">National Geographic</a> has a thoughtful look, from faked moon landings to vaccines and climate change, there is manufactured doubt everywhere you look; here's a clip: "...</span><em>We live in an age when all manner of scientific knowledge—from the safety of fluoride and vaccines to the reality of climate change—faces organized and often furious opposition. Empowered by their own sources of information and their own interpretations of research, doubters have declared war on the consensus of experts. There are so many of these controversies these days, you’d think a diabolical agency had put something in the water to make people argumentative</em>..." (Image: Kennedy Space Center).<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 279px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423232049_kizz.gif" height="207" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423232049_kizz.gif" width="279" /></div><strong>The Next Internet Is TV.</strong> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.theawl.com/2015/02/the-next-internet-is-tv" href="http://www.theawl.com/2015/02/the-next-internet-is-tv">The Awl</a> has an intriguing story that focuses on apps that bring people together, virtually or in-person. Will they eventually eclipse the power and reach of legacy media? Here's a clip: "...<em>The only thing that keeps people coming back to apps in great enough numbers over time to make real money is the presence of other people. So the only apps that people use in the way publications want their readers to behave—with growing loyalty that can be turned into money—are communications services. The near-future internet puts the publishing and communications industries in competition with each other for the same confused advertising dollars, and it’s not even close</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 409px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423249004_wxmod.jpg" height="288" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423249004_wxmod.jpg" width="409" /></div><strong>"Cloud Bursting" Service Can Ensure Sunny Wedding Photos for $150,000.</strong> Uh huh. A sucker is born every minute; for people with more money than sense check out a story at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://petapixel.com/2015/01/30/cloud-bursting-service-can-ensure-sunny-wedding-photos-150000/" href="http://petapixel.com/2015/01/30/cloud-bursting-service-can-ensure-sunny-wedding-photos-150000/">PetaPixel</a>; here's an excerpt: "<em>Want to ensure sunshine for bright and happy outdoor wedding photographs? All you need is $150,000. A UK-based company has begun offering a “cloud bursting” service that can 100% guarantee fair weather for your wedding day and photographs. Oliver’s Travels, a luxury travel and rental service, has <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.oliverstravels.com/blog/guarantee-perfect-wedding-weather-olivers-travels/" href="http://www.oliverstravels.com/blog/guarantee-perfect-wedding-weather-olivers-travels/" target="_blank" title="">begun offering the service</a> for prospective brides and grooms who are interested in a sunny destination wedding at certain venues in France</em>..."<br /><br /><u>Image credit</u>: "<em>Header graphic created with photos by <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/milkbarnick/10900395546" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/milkbarnick/10900395546" target="_blank" title="">Milkbar Nick</a> and <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/elsie/15119892292" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/elsie/15119892292" target="_blank" title="">Les Chatfield</a>, and illustration by <a data-cke-saved-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cloud_Seeding.svg" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cloud_Seeding.svg" target="_blank" title="">DooFi"</a></em><br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 416px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423287595_imagesSnowblower_20Dog_small.jpg" height="277" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423287595_imagesSnowblower_20Dog_small.jpg" width="416" /></div><br /><strong>TODAY</strong>: Mostly cloudy and milder. Winds: SE 10. High: 38<br /><strong>SATURDAY NIGHT</strong>: Cloudy and mild for early February. Low: 26<br /><strong>SUNDAY</strong>: Clouds, flurries, a bit cooler. High: 33<br />MONDAY: Peeks of sun, still above average. Wake-up: 19. High: 31<br />TUESDAY: Chance of wet snow, heavier north. Wake-up: 22. High: 33<br />WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy, cooler breeze. Wake-up: 18. High: 24<br />THURSDAY: Sunny and brisk. Wake-up: 4. High: 17<br />FRIDAY: Gray, but not as chilly. Wake-up: 13. High: 26<br /><br /><hr /><strong>Climate Stories....</strong><br /><br /><div class="photo " style="width: 279px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423287880_future.jpg" height="222" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423287880_future.jpg" width="279" /></div><strong>Climate Changes Are Coming To The American Heartland. </strong>Here's an excerpt of a good summary of the recent "Risky Business" report for the Midwest at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3041697/climate-changes-are-coming-to-the-american-heartland" href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3041697/climate-changes-are-coming-to-the-american-heartland">fastcoexist.com</a>: "...<em>Some counties in northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan could benefit from warmer temperatures, as farmers extend their growing seasons. But most of the impacts are likely to be negative. Rising temperatures could increase <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/explore/energy-demand" data-event-action="Autolink" data-event-category="recirculation" data-event-label="Clicked: explore" href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/explore/energy-demand" target="_blank">energy demand</a> (because of the need for more air conditioning), decrease productivity (because outdoor workers tend to toil less hard in hotter weather), and drive up mortality rates (because older people are affected by hotter temperatures)</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 294px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423287936_military.jpg" height="220" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423287936_military.jpg" width="294" /></div><strong>Climate Change As A Significant National Security Threat</strong>. More like a force-multiplier, volatility that can help to result in civil unrest, mass migrations, even war. Here's an excerpt from <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.politico.com/story/2015/02/obama-national-security-strategy-2015-114942.html" href="http://www.politico.com/story/2015/02/obama-national-security-strategy-2015-114942.html">Politico</a>: "...<em>Climate change is an urgent and growing threat to our national security, contributing to increased natural disasters, refugee flows, and conflicts over basic resources like food and water,” the document states, according to the former U.S. official. “The present day effects of climate change are being felt from the Arctic to the Midwest. Increased sea levels and storm surges threaten coastal regions, infrastructure, and property. In turn, the global economy suffers, compounding the growing costs of preparing and restoring infrastructure</em>...”<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 232px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423287971_geoengineeringCLIMATE.jpg" height="232" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423287971_geoengineeringCLIMATE.jpg" width="232" /></div><strong>Can We Reverse-Engineeer The Environment? </strong>An article at <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/08/magazine/can-we-reverse-engineer-the-environment.html?emc=edit_tnt_20150206&amp;nlid=6274831&amp;tntemail0=y" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/08/magazine/can-we-reverse-engineer-the-environment.html?emc=edit_tnt_20150206&amp;nlid=6274831&amp;tntemail0=y">The New York Times Magazine</a> caught my eye; here's an excerpt: "...<em>More than 1,000 dams have been removed from American rivers in the past century, 72 of them last year. Homesteaders drained wetlands; after Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, we’re building them. Battling the effects of climate change is now central to the Army Corps’s mission. Having spent centuries trying to bring natural forces under our control, our civil engineers are now declaring peace with them, or at least establishing diplomatic relations</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423288005_may.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423288005_may.jpg" style="height: 384px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>What Should We Tell The Kids About Climate Change?</strong> <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2015-02-06/what-should-we-tell-the-kids-about-climate-change-" href="http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2015-02-06/what-should-we-tell-the-kids-about-climate-change-">Bloomberg</a> has the story - here's a clip: "...<em>Efforts to block teaching about climate change echo attempts by religious conservatives two decades ago to put creationism based on biblical teaching on equal footing with evolution in science classrooms. “On one side you have 97&nbsp;percent of scientists and video of melting polar caps, and on the other you have 3&nbsp;percent of scientists, with discredited theories,” Hoyos says. “Why give them equal space?</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423155562_2.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423155562_2.jpg" style="height: 373px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>Winter Loses Its Cool. </strong><a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/winter-is-losing-its-cool-18635" href="http://www.climatecentral.org/news/winter-is-losing-its-cool-18635">Climate Central</a> looks at the temperature trends, and where we may be heading if attempts to lower greenhouse gas emissions fail; here's a clip: "...<em>Climate models project that freezing temperatures will become even less frequent as greenhouse gas emissions further increase global temperatures. What will these warming winters feel like? For our Winter Loses Its Cool interactive we have projected the number of nights below freezing for the end of this century for 697 cities, and then showed which U.S. city currently experiences that number of freezing nights. Several striking examples are highlighted above, but explore the interactive to find out how the cold season will be affected in your city</em>..."<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 534px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423165160_climatemodelsNASA.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423165160_climatemodelsNASA.jpg" style="height: 264px; width: 534px;" /></div><strong>No, Climate Models Aren't Exaggerating Global Warming</strong>. <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/02/04/no-climate-models-didnt-overestimate-global-warming/" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/02/04/no-climate-models-didnt-overestimate-global-warming/">The Washington Post</a> has an interesting analysis of the so-called "temperature plateau"; here's an excerpt: "...<em>While many models didn’t predict the <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.climate.gov/news-features/climate-qa/why-did-earth%E2%80%99s-surface-temperature-stop-rising-past-decade" href="http://www.climate.gov/news-features/climate-qa/why-did-earth%E2%80%99s-surface-temperature-stop-rising-past-decade" target="_blank">relatively modest&nbsp;surface-warming “hiatus,”</a>&nbsp;it’s not because they’re biased in favor of greenhouse-gas emissions’ warming effects. Rather, researchers report in&nbsp;Nature,&nbsp;these computer simulations just struggle to predict&nbsp;“chaotic” (or random) short-term changes&nbsp;in the climate system that can&nbsp;temporarily add or subtract from CO2 emissions’ warming effects</em>..."<br /><br /><u>Image credit</u> above: "<span class="pb-caption"><em>High-resolution global atmospheric modeling run on the Discover supercomputer at the NASA Center for Climate Simulation at Goddard Space Flight Center</em>." (NASA)</span>.<br /><hr /><div class="photo " style="width: 630px;"><img alt="" data-cke-saved-src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423156194_arcticjournal.jpg" src="http://apps.startribune.com/blogs/user_images/pauldouglas_1423156194_arcticjournal.jpg" style="height: 247px; width: 630px;" /></div><strong>The End And The Beginning Of The Arctic</strong>. Here's a clip from a story documenting the widespread changes taking place in the Arctic, courtesy of <a data-cke-saved-href="http://arcticjournal.com/opinion/1305/end-and-beginning-arctic" href="http://arcticjournal.com/opinion/1305/end-and-beginning-arctic">The Arctic Journal</a>: "...<em>What happens in the Arctic matters. The ecological, cultural and economic shifts that are currently underway will not only alter the lives of the Inuit, Gwich’in, Nenets and other aboriginal people who live there, they are likely to affect mid-latitude weather patterns, the migrating birds we see, the air we breathe, the fuel we burn and the way in which we transport goods from one continent to another. The question then becomes, how do we understand and manage the end of the Arctic as we know it so we are prepared to deal with the new Arctic that is unfolding?</em>..."Paul Douglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03119711149976645625noreply@blogger.com0